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— CH. 1 · THE LONGEST SILENCE —

Hyena

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • KMFDM released their 22nd studio album Hyëna on the 9th of September 2022. This release marked a significant moment for the German industrial rock band. The time between this album and their prior work Paradise in September 2019 represents the longest gap since the group formed. Fans waited years to hear new material from the veteran musicians. That three-year pause created anticipation within the community. It stood as a stark contrast to their previous output schedule.

  • Critics responded with very favorable reviews upon the album's arrival. Neil Z. Yeung wrote for AllMusic about the project. He noted that KMFDM keeps listeners on their toes with an energized burst of power. Yeung also highlighted the winking humor present throughout the record. He described the sound as always-reliable trademark style for the band. Johann Carlsson of Release Music Magazine offered his own assessment. He stated the album is driven by vicious and virulent vocal onslaughts. Carlsson pointed out the founders Sascha Käpt'n Konietzko and Lucia Cifarelli leading the charge.

  • The album takes on a more aggressive tone than some previous efforts. Alexandra Kozicki of MXDWN commented on the heavy instrumentals found here. She observed lyrics that call out those in power directly. John Deaux of All About the Rock said Hyëna blasts through speakers with force. He compared the impact to a napalm airstrike hitting its target. The music relies on angular guitar wizardry from Andee Blacksugar. Percussive thrust comes from Andy Selway driving the rhythm forward. These elements combine to create a dense sonic landscape.

  • KMFDM toured North America during September and October of 2022. This tour supported the new album release across multiple cities. They played select dates in May 2023 as well. Those later shows coincided with the Sick New World Festival event. Fans could see the band perform live shortly after hearing the record. The schedule allowed them to connect with audiences globally. Live performances brought the studio tracks to life for attendees.

  • Sascha Käpt'n Konietzko serves as the founder and provides vocal work. Lucia Cifarelli also delivers vocals alongside him throughout the project. Andee Blacksugar handles the guitar duties with specific flair. His playing adds angular textures to the overall sound. Andy Selway plays drums and provides forceful percussive thrust. Each member contributes distinct skills to the production process. Their combined efforts define the unique identity of Hyëna.

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Common questions

When was the album Hyëna released by KMFDM?

KMFDM released their 22nd studio album Hyëna on the 9th of September 2022. This release marked a significant moment for the German industrial rock band after a three-year gap since their prior work Paradise in September 2019.

Who are the founders and vocalists featured on the album Hyëna?

Sascha Käpt'n Konietzko serves as the founder and provides vocals alongside Lucia Cifarelli throughout the project. They lead the charge with vicious and virulent vocal onslaughts that define the record's identity.

What musical elements contribute to the sound of the album Hyëna?

The music relies on angular guitar wizardry from Andee Blacksugar and forceful percussive thrust from Andy Selway driving the rhythm forward. These elements combine to create a dense sonic landscape featuring heavy instrumentals and lyrics calling out those in power directly.

Where did KMFDM tour to support the album Hyëna?

KMFDM toured North America during September and October of 2022 to support the new album release across multiple cities. They played select dates in May 2023 at events including the Sick New World Festival.

How did critics describe the reception of the album Hyëna?

Critics responded with very favorable reviews upon the album's arrival noting its energized burst of power and winking humor. Neil Z. Yeung described it as always-reliable trademark style while Johann Carlsson highlighted the vicious and virulent vocal onslaughts.