'Rocks –
Milestones Reloaded'
Over 30
years, nineteen full-length studio albums and, more singles than an
online dating website, KMFDM are undeniably one of the industrial
rock scene's constants. It's no surprise then that with a wealth of
material such as this under their collective belts, that Kapt'n K and
his crew would revisit some classics once again. The band are no
stranger to compilation albums, having only released a substantial
greatest hits a few years ago, as well as several remix collections.
And while 'Rocks – Milestones Reloaded' is a combination of
greatest hits and remix album, it is more than that. It's a
celebration and manifesto that sees reworked classics sat alongside
more recent cuts as though they were a new studio album.
Opening
with the self-referencing 'KUNST' from their 2013 outing of the same
name the album hits hard and fast before slinking into 'Animal Out',
also from that album. Superbly remixed versions of 'Light' and 'Son
Of A Gun' originally from 1993's 'Angst' and 1996's 'Xtort'
respectively follow on in suitably respectful but refreshed ways. The
set list hurtles back into recent history with 'Amnesia' from 'WTF?!'
which flows very nicely from Chant's remix on the previous track.
The
phenomenal 'A Drug Against War' then powers into life – perhaps one
of KMFDM's most perfect sonic statements it is close to the middle of
the album as a centrepiece. 'Professional Killer' from the 'Hau Ruck'
album and '(Still) Sucks' from 'Angst' appear in remixed form
courtesy of Kapt'n K, with '(Still) Sucks' getting a brilliant
makeover in particular. 'Free Your Hate' from 'Hau Ruck' immediately
pulls the track list back into heavier territory, before the title
track of 'Tohuvabohu' ups the electronic ante once more.
'WWIII' see's Kapt'n K
take the reigns for another radical makeover, while Dope Stars Inc.'s
Victor Love gives 'Krank' from 'WTF!?' a stomping club mix. The album
is then finished off with remixes of 'Amnesia' and 'A Drug Against
War' courtesy of Marco Trentacoste, both great mixes, but it would
have been nice to get a couple of different tracks in there.
The production is of
the quality you'd expect, or rather demand, of a veteran unit such as
KMFDM. The reworked songs sit beautifully next to the newer cuts and
everything sounds fresh, modern, and powerful.
This is a very strong selection of tracks, with a bit of a bias towards newer work, however if this were the blueprint for upcoming live shows you'd not be disappointed. The only real criticism is in including 'Amnesia' and 'A Drug Against War' twice when they could have made room for a couple of other milestone tracks. But the original's and remixes both hold their own really well, so it is a tough call.
This is a very strong selection of tracks, with a bit of a bias towards newer work, however if this were the blueprint for upcoming live shows you'd not be disappointed. The only real criticism is in including 'Amnesia' and 'A Drug Against War' twice when they could have made room for a couple of other milestone tracks. But the original's and remixes both hold their own really well, so it is a tough call.
This album is probably
more likely to appeal to fans who are completionists, or as a primer
for those new to the band. However, as a playlist it is fun, frantic,
and shows off all of the band's different faces from across a good
portion, if not necessarily all of their career.
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