KMFDM, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Laibach all set the stage for the onslaught of German Industrial bands in the early 80’s. Bands such as Rammstein and Pigface continued to carry the torch through the 90’s with as much vitality as their predecessors. Another group of industrial minded musicians from Germany, Das Ich, take a similar approach to creating a mechanized and vile sound while continuing to remain independent from the confines of the industrial formula on their latest release, Anti’ Christ.
While Das Ich has yet to capture the collective consciousness of the mainstream record buying public, they have been an undeniable force in industrial dance for a little over 10 years. The groups’ first efforts, the maxi CD Satanische Verse (Satanic Verses), and their debut album, Die Propheten (The Prophets) on Bruno’s own Danse Macabre label, established Das Ich as the personification of electronic experimental and were quick to find their way on to the independent charts. After 11 albums, they signed with Metropolis and put out Re_laborat in 2001 to rave reviews. Although the new record, Anti’ Christ, embodies the elements that first catapulted this group to critical success, the tone is more poetic with an sense of balance between synchronization and chaos. Fusing a gothic atmosphere with an industrial edge, Anti’ Christ explores an assortment of moody musical nuances. Das Ich, unlike other industrial outfits, does not use distorted guitars or vocals. Relying more on Stefan Ackerman’s raw and intense German vocals, excessively heavy percussion, gothic chanting and eerie synthesizer gives the band a very unique sound.
Whether you are an Industrial or Goth enthusiast, Anti’ Christ is sure to satisfy your blood thirsty desires with its angst ridden ambience. Das Ich are currently bringing their amazing live show to fans around the world. It will be a evening to remember (depending on what drugs you’re doing).