New York City, NY, Irving Plaza, 04/26/2013

 

The words “rock n’ roll” have been used in many forms since first being coined in the early ’20s. Originally referring to blues-based music with a strong backbeat, the term has become a catch-all that most (serious) music fans understand has far more to do with the attitude and approach of a performer than whatever sounds may come as a result. While IAMX, with its deeply introspective lyrics, lithe vocals and layered electronics, may not be one’s typical point of reference for rock n’ roll, this writer can think of no better term to describe the band’s recent performance at New York City’s Irving Plaza. [..]

May 17-20, 2013

Fallen to the frozen beginning of spring, Leipzig stumbles back into the path that looms in the shadows – shop keepers plan their windows, removing the colorful pastel shades that once beamed out of their looking glass for monotones that only absorb light. Wave Gotik Treffen has reappeared for its 22nd birthday and will most likely be, again, the largest Gothic gathering on the earth’s soil. [..]

London, UK, O2 Islington, 04/20/2013

 

KMFDM’s tour across the USA with CHANT and Legion Within might have run its course, but the Ultra Heavy Beat masters have never before missed a chance to indulge their British audience and their return to London was every bit as memorable and exciting as you would expect from the godfathers of industrial rock and the genre’s undeniable titans. The gig might have been in danger of losing some of its impact without the two supports that shaped the experience for the American fans, but that was certainly not the case. [..]

Seattle, WA, Showbox SoDo, 03/30/2013

 

Showbox SoDo was packed with a varied crowd and a genuine, buzzing excitement for this final show of the KMFDM KUNST tour, featuring the return of Legion Within and Steve White. Despite this being the last stop of the tour (or perhaps because of it), there was no lack of energy from any of the bands, which truly made this show an experience to be had. [..]

Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Small’s Theatre, 03/22/2013

 

After a long Ultra-Heavy Beat drought, KMFDM finally returned to Pittsburgh to support the latest album, KUNST, and Pittsburgh enthusiastically welcomed the band back with open arms and a surprisingly sold-out crowd. Accompanied by Legion Within and CHANT for the tour and local artists Rein[Forced] supplying additional support, the lineup made for an interesting and varied night. [..]

Boston, MA, Paradise Rock Club, 3/20/2013

 

2013 is a big year for fans of the golden age of industrial music with a new KMFDM album and tour, new Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy albums later this year, and rumors of new Nine Inch Nails material; it’s like some kind of planetary alignment. Paradise Rock Club is located on a busy Boston campus with bright-eyed students crisscrossing the streets purposefully. The place is pretty small, with a balcony that wraps around the venue on three sides. Dozens of drums, cymbals, and noisemaking objects decorate the stage, presumably belonging to tribal/industrial artist CHANT, the opening act of the tour. By 8:00pm the place is already two/thirds full and the show promptly begins. The crowd is a mix of goths, rivetheads, punks, and metal fans of various ages; as expected, many are sporting KMFDM shirts. [..]

Philadelphia, PA, The Trocadero Theatre, 03/19/2013

 

Philadelphia is often hailed as the city of brotherly love, although that does little to explain the curfew that was in effect on this particular Tuesday night at the Trocadero Theatre. With the doors opening promptly at 7:00pm, and the show beginning shortly thereafter, the triple header of KMFDM, Legion Within, and CHANT had but a short time to send the attending crowd into industrial rock frenzy as only they can deliver. Held at the Trocadero Theatre, the venue attempts the ambience of a classic concert hall with a slightly modern edge – split into two sides, one featuring the bar area for 21+, the other for the all ages crowd, with the upstairs featuring theatrical seating and a smaller club area for after parties. [..]