I’m fashionably late with this one, but then, keeping up with KMFDM has always been a challenge. Over the 38+ years they’ve been going, they’ve amassed a back catalogue of some 21 albums, with HYËNA being number 22. It’s one hell of a workrate however you view it, and most revolving-door collaborations either collapse or suffer in terms of quality as the founding members fall away and the initial focus falls away. Not so KMFDM . And here, whereas it may be a sleight when it comes to come other acts, it’s a double high-five for the fact that they sound EXACTLY THE FUCKING SAME. Only this one does sound a bit – by which I mean quite – different.
Sure, uber-hardcore fans may find some nuanced shifts, but ultimately, just as fans of Rammstein like Rammstein BECAUSE they always sound like Rammstein, and the same as Melvins always sound like Melvins, The Wedding Present always sound like The Wedding Present, and The Fall always sounded like The Fall, people like KMFDM for the fact they’re dependable. If that sounds drab, it’s not. There’s nothing wrong with churning ‘em out back to back with a pretty work-like predictability when the output is good.
‘What title could be more appropriate as the band laughs mockingly at the frayed and frantic state of world affairs’ they ask as they present ‘HYËNA’.
It’s not exactly a nonstop laughriot, but it is a relentless and energised – and energising – back-to-back blast of industrial-strength beat-driven grooves. ‘All 4 1’ blasts off with shredding guitars reminiscent of Ministry circa ‘Psalm 69’ and it’s pretty much pedal-to-the-metal riffage all the way thereafter. But the sound is predominantly more rock than electro.
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The rap-rock crossover ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Monster’ sounds more like Fun Lovin’ Criminals and is an unexpected departure, as is the blues-rock chug of ‘Black Hole’. The title track is more post-punk than anything and comes on like Rammstein covering Blondie – and it not only works, it’s actually good.
Of course, for the larger part of the album, it’s business as usual only with more guitar solos, and that’s more than fine.
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