What does What Do You Know, Deutschland? sound like?

A raw blend of aggressive beats and provocative lyrics that fuse industrial rock with avant-garde influences. Rooted in industrial metal and industrial rock. Start with "Kickin’ Ass".

Is What Do You Know, Deutschland? a good place to start with KMFDM?

Yes, What Do You Know, Deutschland? is recommended as a starting point for new KMFDM listeners. A raw blend of aggressive beats and provocative lyrics that fuse industrial rock with avant-garde influences. Released in 1986, What Do You Know, Deutschland? was KMFDM's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a distinctive sound that combined heavy metal with electronic music, setting the stage for their later influence on the industrial scene.

Who is What Do You Know, Deutschland? for?

What Do You Know, Deutschland? works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing experiences.

How many songs are on What Do You Know, Deutschland??

What Do You Know, Deutschland? has 11 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

What Do You Know, Deutschland?

KMFDM · 1986

57 min · 11 tracks · industrial metal

A raw blend of aggressive beats and provocative lyrics that fuse industrial rock with avant-garde influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kickin’ Ass Start here — This opening track encapsulates KMFDM's confrontational style with its relentless energy and biting lyrics that assert their rebellious ethos.
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What Do You Know? — This track combines catchy hooks with critical lyrics that challenge societal norms, reflecting the band's signature blend of accessibility and depth.
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Sieg Sieg — With its powerful beat and provocative themes, this song exemplifies KMFDM's ability to merge aggression with a sharp social critique.
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The Unrestrained Use of Excessive Force — This lengthy track showcases the band’s experimental approach, juxtaposing heavy instrumentation with a critique of authority and violence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive rhythms with political commentary, marking a significant step in KMFDM's evolving sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining aggressive beats throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Deutsche Schuld' which shifts from a driving rhythm to a more subdued section.
The lyrics often incorporate political themes, with songs like 'Sieg Sieg' using provocative language and imagery to engage listeners.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing experiences
provocative and intense moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album contributed to KMFDM's recognition in the industrial rock scene.
Themes: German nationalism· societal critique· industrial rebellion
Moods: Aggressive· Intense
Career context: Released in 1986, What Do You Know, Deutschland? was KMFDM's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a distinctive sound that combined heavy metal with electronic music, setting the stage for their later influence on the industrial scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Ministry· Nine Inch Nails· Skinny Puppy

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Deutsche Schuld

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to historical accountability, addressing Germany's past directly while invoking a sense of collective guilt.

This transition not only deepens the emotional impact but also reflects KMFDM's commitment to confronting difficult subjects through their art.