Xtort - KMFDM (CD 1996)

I gotta give it to them again! They hit another jackpot with Xtort. Does every thing they touch turn to gold?? Maybe not, word has it the F.B.I investigated K.M.F.D.M over this 1. Something about a shooting in Columbine. I have no idea what they're talking about. Anyways, "DOGMA" seems to have the most powerful message. "Power" is awesome to say the least."SON OF a GUN" takes me back to my pre-teens when i collected super-hero comics. Does anyone remember "IRONMAN"??? The gleeming gem here, and 1 in my top 3 favorite of all there music is "INANE". Bottom line is how intelligent they are, their lyrics,their music.To arrange this and their previous compilations IS genious. Credit Sacha and his crew. I only rate "NAIVE" and "ANGST" over this 1

Of course all of KMFDM's albums are hard-hitting pure industrial strength! However this particular album and the self-titled follow-up to XTORT oftentimes referred to as the "Symbols" album are of an entirely different breed. These two albums together sincerely define the reason why KMFDM are truly the godfathers of industrial rock. XTORT is truly the definition of pure perfection from start to finish as is the "Symbols" album. The selections of XTORT are so powerful and there is absolutely the perfect blend of electronics as KMFDM are so known for and raw instrumentation. The guitars are so perfectly applied and they're so heavy yet entirely melodic all the while. I can promise you there will be no dedicated KMFDM fan of longstanding reading this review that does not already own this album as well as the "Symbols" album because they already know! I truly cannot express just how absolutely fantastic both XTORT and the 1997 follow-up album "Symbols" are! If you've heard anything of KMFDM's and it somehow landed you here because you're now contemplating purchasing this album or any other album of theirs because you liked what you heard I can promise XTORT will deliver and not let you down. If it's feasible I highly recommend both XTORT as well as the 1997 follow-up "Symbols" album. These are the two albums that captured KMFDM at their absolute finest and shows just the potential of this band and what they can do when they want to. Both XTORT and the 1997 self-titled album are pure power and creativity at its best.

Xtort is one of KMFDM's most "charged-up" CD's. Tracks like Dogma keep your head banging. However, I much prefer Kein Mitleid's earlier, less refined music. UAIOE is a far superior CD, as it sounds much more experimental and raw.

They did it again! KMFDM's 11th album, Xtort, is right up there on my list of top KMFDM albums!

Super powerful ballads of politics, religion, anger, angst, and self-promotion are backed with a beat heavy enough that you will feel it deep inside. They write the songs in certain terms, stating what they have to say in meaningful poetry that's not to be taken lightly. Perhaps one of the best things about KMFDM is that they can powerfully display their controversial views in song without the swearing or screaming you may think of.

Heavy metal and techno-influences push KMFDM's music near the top of the industrial genre. The Xtort album may very well be one of their best. Highly recommended to metal and industrial musicians and fans. As stated in the song "Power," it's the "industrial soundtrack to the holy wars!"