ALBUM REVIEW ~ KMFDM ~ 'LET GO'

I'm music magazine, KMFDM, let go, metropolis records, sascha konietzko, lucia cifarelli, andy selway,, andee blacksugar, ultra heavy beat, airhead,

Let Go, the 23rd album from the legendary band KMFDM was released Feb 2 via Metropolis Records. The band is celebrating 40 years with its line-up of Sascha Konietzko (bass, beats, synths, vocals), Lucia Cifarelli (vocals), Andy Selway (drums), and Andee Blacksugar (guitars). Influential in the industrial music scene and noted for bringing it to mainstream audiences, KMFDM created their sound known as the Ultra Heavy Beat. Their mixture of industrial, electronic, techno, and metal sound with gritty vocals and political and social commentary has kept fans dancing for decades.

The scorching opening track “Let Go,” takes the listener into the 80’s electronic/industrial dance clubs. The dark, electro-pop guitars and synths combined with its catchy chorus let everyone know KMFDM is “coming in hot” and “ready to rock.”

“Airhead” is one of the many standouts on the album. Konietzko’s dynamic programming and Cifarelli’s melodic, floating vocals are captivating to the ear.

The eerie and ominous “When The Bell Tolls” showcases the band’s musical diversity. Cifarelli’s intense rock/metal growls as she sings “There’s a special place for you in hell” combined with driving guitars and gritty drum loops make this one of the heaviest tracks on the album.

The political song “WW 2023” is another highlight of the album. The song is a battle cry set to an enthralling dub/reggae and symphonic soundtrack.

KMFDM continues to set the bar high with the blazing, Ultra Heavy Beat Let Go. The dark, industrial sounds combined with catchy dance, and electro-pop choruses about current social and political matters make for a riveting listen.

I’m Music Magazine Associate Editor/Writer Meesha Walden