Unitron KMFDM - What Do You Know, Deutschland?

What Do You Know, Deutschland? is the second studio album from industrial metal/rock band KMFDM. Two years after their limited released debut, KMFDM released their first wide-released album. Interestingly, they changed their sound a bit with this first wide release.

Unlike the previous album, What Do You Know, Deutschland? is a lot less noisy, instead featuring a lot more industrial dance elements. There are still only sporadic metal moments here, this time mixed with industrial dance and funk instead of noisy industrial rock. Opener "Kickin' Ass" does just that, and kicks good. Thumping bass, funky beats, and sneering vocals make up this song and the other best songs like "Conillon", "Me I Funk", and the humorous "Zip". The latter has vocals that have the stoner quality of Krautrock bands like Can.

Everyone goes nuts over Nine Inch Nails' debut Pretty Hate Machine, but that album probably wouldn't have existed without this album. This album is also a lot more varied, with most songs having their own distinct sound. Also, is it just me or does the beginning of "Conillon" sound like proto-dubstep? Not only that, but there's some great guitar riffs as well.

For those like me who love funk and industrial, this is certainly worth more than a few listens. A bit of an underrated gem, with some of the tastiest funky bass licks you'll ever hear. Hope you found this review helpful.

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