Die Krupps - Lluther

MetalMaschinenMusik and the 25th anniversary of a legend – in a fourth century Germans Industrial metallers DIE KRUPPS made music history. They were breaking ground for the Industrial in Germany and its fusion with Metal and Dance sounds. Singles and albums entered the charts in UK and the States, lead to a cooperation with Metallica’s drummer and acts such as Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb quite often pointed out that they were definitely influenced by DIE KRUPPS. After the release of the 97 album Paradise Now guitarist Lee Altus (Heathen) left and the band split up and I guess from this time on, none expected to see the band live again. But… 8 years later DIE KRUPPS reunited to their 25th anniversary and are back on stage. For their only show in North-Rhine-Westfalia they chose Krefeld, a city where the band played their very first live show back in 1981.
So it was definitely supposed to be a memorable evening. But for that the KuFa was surprisingly badly attended. Instead of possible 1100 people a bit more than half showed up. What a shame. I expected a sold out show actually… Anyway, attending fans and folks were in high spirits and really looking forward of what to come…

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:. UNDERGOD ~ I never have heard of before (as most of the crowd didn’t do as well). So some new territory for the most. Backed with a brand new album entitled Killove (to be released on Jan 31st) Swiss power house kicked of the show on time with a musical mix of NIN, Rammstein and Oomph!, just as a more Rock orientated version, not that heavy as mentioned bands. Fronter Thommy left a quite charismatic impression while female guitarist Maja caught much attention. UNDERGOD. were rocking the stage and id their best. Response was reserved but positive. Not really spectacular, but a solid and well-done show!

:. LLUTHER ~ here I at least knew the name. Being around for just 2 years and in support of the debut album LLUTHER already have a small fan base here in Germany. This Irish band around singer, composer, producer and guitarist Garry Owen not only visually emerged as a headstrong mix of Placebo (Brian Molko) and Tokyo Hotel but also presented musically a blend of (once again) NIN, a bit of Marilyn Manson and Zeromancer. With songs from the debut album Agents Of Empire the band delivered an atmospheric stage show. Will keep an eye on these guys!

:. DIE KRUPPS ~ finally, time has come! People walking around or spending time in the pub came in the hall filling it adequately. With High Tech/Low Life from ’92 Album I (First) kicked off their set, inviting the crowd on a retrospective trip through the entire history, from the debut album Volle Kraft voraus (1982) up to a brand new track that not even officially exist (5 Millionen – except as a single you only can purchase at the shows), where they again reflect on (current) political occurrences in Germany.
Flooded in glistening white light front man Jürgen Engler and guitarist Marcel Zürcher (*sighs* wish, Lee Altus would have been playing guitars) were almost untamable and drummer Oliver Röhl hard at work anyway, while bassist Rüdiger Esch and Key Wiz Ralf Dörper (ex-Propaganda) took it much quieter creating a strange contrast, like “calming influence” on the right side vs. “overwhelming action” on the left side. Musically electronics and brute guitar sounds were well-balanced and together with fulminant bass work you got an excellent mix of the styles DIE KRUPPS used to unite during their carrier. But, this blend supported the songs from the 90’s era a little bit stronger – in my opinion. The brand new song 5 Millions again tends in a more modern direction and sounded like a homage to those EBM/Industrial bands that said to be influenced by them. If there will be a new album in the near future, none knows. And how such an album could sound is a secret with seven seals.
Anyway, audience was partying hard, celebrating and honoring DIE KRUPPS condignly. Fans rocked, had pogos and danced, even a stage-diver at least wanted to give it a try.
The location was almost brimming over for high spirits. What a show! Definitely another highlight this year… and it’s still January. Unfortunately I had to leave before the show was over (morning shifts), so I missed the encores and – as it was said – a great aftershow party. Damnit!

Setlist: High Tech/Low Life, Isolation, Crossfire, Odyssey Of The Mind, Germaniac, Für einen Augenblick, Volle Kraft/Goldfinger, Scent, Alive, Der Amboss, 5 Millionen (new), Black Beauty, Dawning Of Doom, Metal Machine Music, To The Hilt, Fatherland // Machineries Of Joy, Bloodsuckers