Review by Tim Lawler

KMFDM … 5 Letters, the year 2009… 25 years of the ultra heavy beat, Blitz…the 16^th studio album, but what do all these numbers add up to, an album that is sure to throw the most die-hard KMFDM fans for a loop! Blitz is an eclectic mix of industrial mayhem that not only maintains what KMFDM fans have come to know as the ultra heavy beat but also pushes their sound to a new level most might not expect. 

For 25 years KMFDM have been spewing their beats to the masses and have done it often times with a sense of humor.  Sascha and company have been known to poke fun at themselves and have a good time doing it.  This album seems to be a culmination of their humor, wit and smorgasbord of influences with catchy hooks and an 80’s synth vibe.  This humor is abundantly evident in the track “Bitches”.  Taken seriously, this track is sure to leave a bad taste in the mouth of any KMFDM fan.  But, to me, that is not what this track is all about, because after 25 years, 16 albums, multiple members, several record labels and some negative flack from the media, I think Sascha deserves to rant a little.  “Bitches” not only pokes fun at the fans but also at themselves like they have done before with the tracks “Sucks” and “Feed Our Fame”, as well as “Intro” where they lampoon themselves!

Starting off the album though, is “(Symbol)”.  As I am listening to a media copy, I cannot comment on what that symbol is. What I can say is that this track is a strong start to the album, pounding beats, grinding guitars, humor, wit, and chanting lyrics.

As with past KMFDM albums we are treated to a track in German, “Potz Blitz”.  With its slowed tempo and grinding guitars it is a nice companion piece to the 2005 track “Hau Ruck”.  As an added bonus, we get “Davai”, a track in Russian, proving that KMFDM has no language barrier.  German, English, Spanish, Russian, all spoken to the sounds of the ultra heavy beat!  How about it Sascha, Pig Latin? Or maybe you could have Skold join you for Fikonspraket, the Swedish language equivalent of Pig Latin.

With, “Bait & Switch” and “Never Say Never”, we get two fast paced tracks driven by Lucia’s sultry vocals and dance beats that are sure to be a hit in the clubs.

Changing things up is “People of the Lie”, a haunting track in which Sascha shows off his vocal chops by singing side by side with Lucia, a rare treat for KMFDM fans but one that proves Sascha and his KMFDM cohorts are willing to throw a wrench into things and expand upon KMFDM sound!

On the 2007 album “Tohuvabohu” KMFDM covered “Los Ninos Del Parque” by the German group Liasons Dangereuses.  This time around on “Blitz”, it is a cover of “Being Boiled” by the English synth-pop group, The Human League.  With The Human League having been known for being a synthesizer based group, this cover seems to be a fitting addition to this album.

A personal favorite on the album would have to be the track “Strut”.  Returning and lending her vocal prowess to this track is KMFDM alum Cheryl Wilson. Wilson previously contributed her vocal talents to the past KMFDM albums “Xtort” and “Adios”.  As for what this track sounds like, it is as if KMFDM had an orgy with the Pointer Sisters or as a friend of mine would say “crunchy, poppy goodness”!  Seriously, when you hear this song you will probably want to do the “Neutron Dance”! This may sound strange but it is a fun track that sounds nothing like anything KMFDM has done before yet remains true to their sound!

Another standout track for me is “Me & My Gun”.  With this track, imagine if Lucia and Gwen Stefani had a lesbian love child with the batter being donated by Sascha.  Yes, I know you’re still stuck on the Lucia and Gwen Stefani lesbian thing but move past it and the love child they have would be this song!

Finally, rounding out the album is “Take’m Out.  A fun beat driven track that shows KMFDM know how to cap off an album. Overall, I would have to say that this album adds a different element to what the fans consider to be the KMFDM sound.  This album still has all the things that the fans are used to but it shows that after 25 years, KMFDM aren’t still churning out cookie cutter songs that sound exactly like everything else they’ve done!  The ultra heavy beat lives on and it sounds better than ever!