Tonight - KMFDM In Minneapolis

Venerable, German industrial metal band KMFDM returns to the area tonight for an 18+ show at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The band is promoting the newly released Kunst album (reviewed here, 7/10) out on Metropolis. Support on the tour comes from Seattle-based industrial band Legion Within, experimental drum-based CHANT, and Chicago's Czar, which features former Acumen Nation guitarist/vocalist Jason Novak. Things get started at 8:00, and it will be $22 at the door.

Check out "Family Crest" by Czar, from their Vertical Mass Grave album - get downtown early to see these guys!

Album Review - KMFDM

KMFDM - Kunst

Metropolis, February 2013

7/10

Kunst, the 18th studio album from the influential, long-running German industrial band KMFDM, finds the band struggling to avoid repeating themselves. This is simply due to the astounding longevity of the band rather than a lack of quality music. Perhaps this assessment is a bit harsh, but any band with this number of albums faces the same issues. KMFDM is at their best on their heavier, guitar-based songs represented here by the title track, “Pseudocide”, and “Animal Out”. Kunst is more varied than some of their other albums, with "I < Not" and "Ave Maria" being softer, slower, and more electronic. Another highlight is "Hello", which combines heavy guitar with whispered vocals, eventually building into a massive shouted choirs. The dancey, pop elements frequently employed by KMFDM is what sets them apart from what most people think of industrial music so you won't mistake this for Ministry or Skinny Puppy. Kunst is an enjoyable and varied listen, if not innovative. The bottom line is that Kunst is another quality album from KMFDM that again demonstrates why they've endured for nearly 30 years.

KMFDM performs Monday, March 25 at First Avenue in Minneapolis with support from Legion Within, Chant, and Czar.

In Concert This Week - March 21, 2013

There’s a huge number of concerts coming town  over the next three weeks, so brace yourself!

On Sunday, March 24, former Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz brings his new band Red Lamb to Station 4 in St. Paul as part of the band’s inaugural tour which benefits children with autism. Local support will come from Candy Machine Guns, Prophets Of Aether, Monster Of Creation, and Pandemic. This is a 16+ show.

Also playing on Sunday, March 24 at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis is sludge doom band Jucifer together with local sludge monsters Witchden for an 18+ show.

Long running German industrial dance troupe KMFDM returns to First Avenue in Minneapolis on Monday, March 25 for an 18+ show with Legion Within and Czar.

A big night of metal will ensue Wednesday, March 27 when Sweden’s Soilwork returns to Station 4 in St. Paul with former Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis, Blackguard, The Browning, and Wretched for a 16+ show.

Commercial hard rock heroes Hinder bring The Last Vegas and Acidic with them to First Avenue in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 27 for an 18+ show.

Wednesday, March 27 also has locals Blackthorne and Bisento playing Cause Spirits & Soundbar for a free 21+ show.

Twin Cities-based Prosthetic Records recording artist Ambassador Gun will unleash their insanity at The Nether Bar in Mill City Nights in Minneapolis on Thursday, March 28. This is an 18+ show, and support will come from Nerves, Much Worse, and Call Of The Void.

If you’re up north, Hinder and Acidic play a 21+ show in Duluth at Clyde Iron Works on Thursday, March 28.