Review: Die Kur - All The Way Down To A New Regime
With a general term such as “Industrial Metal”, it’s risky
what the words conjure up when hearing them. A chugfest like Fear Factory? A
spastic version of that with Strapping Young Lad? Industrial Black Metal like
Mysticum? Slow, Swans style dirges in the vein of Godflesh?
For a subgenre that
has been around over 30 years, it’s often an obtuse and sometimes confusing
label to give.
Of course, having such a varied genre is to it’s benefit, as
is in the case of London’s Die Kur. Die Kur are a veteran band that has been
around over 20 years and play an often-experimental style of Industrial Metal
not cut from the same grain as a lot of the mainstream artists clumped in with
that label.
Their newest EP, All The Way Down To A New Regime, starts
out with an almost Motorheadish (or an even sludgier like mid-period High On Fire) sounding
song “The Legacy of the Fox” which also has some Celtic Frost style breakdowns
as well. Not too many electronics on this one, but it definitely kicks ass.
Even the chug parts later in the song are done in a way that is dramatic and
engaging with some interesting sounds and moods played simultaneously.
The vocals of Die Kur are almost a half sung punkish shout
but with a hardcore attitude, perhaps best compared to some of what Killing
Joke had done long ago. Fitting the music in this way to me is far more
enjoyable than the whiny style that many bands and projects in this style
succumb to for sure.
The second song, "Primary Fear", comes in with blazing
keyboards and riffs, revealing a dreamy but also dreary atmosphere. Speaking of
Godflesh, this song reminds me of a less dissonant and still super heavy
version of them though also more accessible (but in a cool way).
“Raise Hell” is the the third track and almost has a thrashy
feel that has super heavy downtuned riffs and transitions. Arguably the most
traditional song on here, it also features a long guitar solo section. The
anthemic chorus and lyrics definitely contribute to the catchiness as well.
Some of the chaotic sounds at the end of the song almost remind me of
Hawkwind’s classic sax bursts for some reason!
The final song (it’s pretty obvious at this point that many
of the lyrics are sociopolitical in nature along with some contrarian and nihilistic themes to match), “Government Zero” is a slow dirge
that almost has a Neurosis style vibe to it. It’s also the longest song on
here, though I will admit this one is a bit repetitive compared to what came
before.
Die Kur are an interesting band with a unique take and with
unique flavors to match. Their ultra heavy tones, along with excellent vocals and
cool atmospheric sounds (including employing a violinist!) and pounding rhythms make for an excellent band. I will
likely check out some of their earlier material as well, since the elements
used here are in perfect balance, and there is no attempt at radio rock made
here- something which is always a benefit to a grizzled old metalhead like me!
You can get more information about Die Kur from the
following resources:
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