I used to have a lot of CDs.  I don’t know for certain, but I’m guessing I had about 300 at one point.  A few years ago I lost them all during a move, and it’s always sort of depressed me that I won’t be able to force my awesome music on my grandkids someday.

I’ve decided to rebuild my collection to its former glory.  My plan is to buy one CD per week for the next…300(!) weeks…or until I burn out.  I’ll write up a short review of each album, post some videos, and then you, THE READER, can enjoy the music along with me.

So let’s begin!

KMFDM – Nihil

I have to start by saying that KMFDM was my favorite band for a very long time.  I was introduced to modern rock music through this band.  They will always have a special place in my heart.  Having said that, Nihil is absolutely one of my all time favorite albums.  I first heard this album when I was about 15, and it’s clear why it resonated with me so much.  It’s very hard, very heavy, and the lyrics are full of sexual symbolism and allusions to revolution and violence.  It’s what every teenage boy needs.

As with many KMFDM albums, Nihil is a collaboration by numerous artists.  Sascha Konietzko and En Esch contribute to most of the songs, but this album is also clearly heavily influenced by Raymond Watts (of PIG fame).  While Watts has been with KMFDM since the beginning (basically), this album, more than most, showcases his talents.  He adds a real darkness to many songs, and his voice gives something of an evil feel to the entire album.  It’s awesome.

Highs:

Just about every song on this album is a high.  Nihil starts off with Ultra, which is amazing.  When I hear it I’m reminded of the Street Fighter animated movie, which was actually very good.

Lamely, this isn’t the clip from the movie, which I can’t find.  As I recall, the song is featured during some badass fight sequence with Blanka.

The second song on the album, Juke Joint Jezebel, is one of the most recognizable and catchy KMFDM songs, ever.  Check this shit out:

Very rad.  Seeing this video reminds me of all the KMFDM shows I went to in my early 20s.  I think I saw them five or six times in Oregon through the years.  They put on a great show and have great fans.  Always a blast.

I don’t want to go through every song on the album.  Just believe me – every song is good.  I do want to give a shout out to the last song on the album, though, Trust.

This song is more reminiscent of KMFDM’s later work.  It’s one of the few songs on this album that doesn’t feature Watts.  And it isn’t that I don’t like Watts, it’s just that this song wraps the album up nicely, with an upbeat pace and the talented Dorona Alberti with the female vocals.

Lows:

None.  This album fucking rocks.

OK, I guess if there was one thing I’d change about this album, it would be to add more female vocals.  Many KMFDM songs feature female vocalists, and it adds so much to have a woman’s voice contrasting with the voices of Watts or Konietzko.  I guess I just expect it when I’m listening to KMFDM.

But really, the album is very strong as it is.  Give it a listen.

Score:

5/5