Top tracks — play these first
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Contrapunctus 1 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Contrapunctus 2 — Clocking in at nearly 21 minutes, this track exemplifies Laibach’s ambitious scope and showcases their intricate layering of themes and sounds.
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Contrapunctus 9, a 4 Alla Duodecima — This piece highlights the band's ability to blend complex rhythmic structures with haunting electronic textures, creating an immersive listening experience.
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Contrapunctus 12, Canon Alla Ottava — The interplay between dissonance and melody in this track encapsulates the essence of Laibach's reinterpretation of classical elements within a modern context.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalLaibach transforms Bach's work into an industrial landscape, balancing fidelity to structure with bold experimentation.
What we noticed
- Each track is a reinterpretation of a specific contrapuntal section from Bach's 'The Art of Fugue', maintaining the original structure while infusing it with industrial elements.
- The album features a consistent use of electronic instrumentation layered over traditional motifs, creating a stark contrast between classical and modern sounds.
- Tracks vary in length, with some pieces extending into ambient soundscapes that diverge from the original compositions, allowing for moments of introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of complex themes
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- engaging auditory reimagining experience
- thought-provoking background listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — A bold reimagining of classical music, challenging Laibach's established sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Laibachkunstderfuge marks Laibach's exploration of classical music through an avant-garde lens, following their previous album, Volk. At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as provocateurs within the industrial and experimental scenes, melding political commentary with diverse musical forms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Throbbing Gristle· Skinny Puppy· Kraftwerk
Tracklist
- 1 Contrapunctus 1 Start here 3:07
- 2 Contrapunctus 2 20:52
- 3 Contrapunctus 3 2:54
- 4 Contrapunctus 4 5:17
- 5 Contrapunctus 5 2:46
- 6 Contrapunctus 6, a 4 Im Stile Francese 4:11
- 7 Contrapunctus 7, a 4 Per Augment Et Diminut 1:21
- 8 Contrapunctus 8, a 3 7:31
- 9 Contrapunctus 9, a 4 Alla Duodecima 8:26
- 10 Contrapunctus 10, a 4 Alla Decima 6:15
- 11 Contrapunctus 11, a 4 2:02
- 12 Contrapunctus 12, Canon Alla Ottava 4:22
- 13 Contrapunctus 13, Canon Alla Duodecima in Contrapunto Alla Quinta 4:46
- 14 Contrapunctus 15, Canon Per Augmentationem in Contrario Motu 5:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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