When you think industrial music, you really have to go back to the ‘80s and the band who was a pioneer of the scene, KMFDM. Fortunately for us, they are still out there doing it and they are returning to this side of the pond for a North American tour.
Emerging from the European underground scene of ‘80s, KMFDM was part of the industrial wave that crashed the mainstream in the ’90s alongside kindred spirits, Nine Inch Nails, T99, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Lords of Acid, and Ministry.
If you’re not familiar with the royalty of the industrial scene, KMFDM was born of their primordial egg in Paris, France in 1984. The name drew much conjecture, often said it stood for Kill Motherfucking Depeche Mode, but it really was a German acronym for Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid (rough translation is “no pity for the majority”).
KMFDM’s musical legacy is best described as electronic meets industrial meets the ultra heavy beat sound, as heard in their most popular song, “Naïve.”
In the following years, KMFDM began to pioneer the crossover between techno/dance and heavy metal with their signature sound. Relocating to Chicago in 1990, KMFDM was the pride of Wax Trax Records during the label’s peak. Under the leadership of German-born music founder Sascha K. a/k/a Käpt’n K, the only permanent member throughout the band’s history, KMFDM is still going strong after almost three decades of conceptual continuity, regularly recording and releasing albums and frequently touring the world over.
Songs that impact their fans to this day include, “Day of Light,” “Boots,” “Light,” “Juke Joint-Jezebel,” “Money” and “Krank.”
While some of their UK shows have been postponed or cancelled, we are lucky that is not the case in the States. The band recently announced select dates in North America, and with the way things change these days, more shows might be added. If you have a chance to check out this legendary band, do it!
No word on California dates, but stay tuned because you never know what may happen with KMFDM!
