Spectre

Description

Laibach release brand new album Spectre on CD, vinyl and download.

Spectre follows the bands widely acclaimed conceptual album Volk (2006), where Laibach interpreted national anthems of historically imperialistic nations, and the release of the side projects Laibachkunstderfuge (2008) and Iron Sky: The Original Film Soundtrack (2012).

Laibach have once again re-invented themselves into a newly born, yet polished and solid, formation. And, as is now customary, Laibach call into question all the rigid and cemented interpretations (and prejudices) about themselves, about their music, intentions, philosophy and ideology. Laibach are masters of escape, true escape artists. And yet, despite everything, Spectre resonates as a real and full-blooded Laibachian work and nothing else.

With Spectre Laibach have created a big, important, and almost dangerous step forward; it seems that this time it has fatally crossed the Rubicon. On this album the group which has never defined itself politically, but has, nevertheless, constantly analysed politics through its work comes across as politically engaged as never before. Spectre literally sounds like a political manifesto in poetic form. Titles and lyrics couldnt be more direct. With these lyrics and songs, Laibach, who have always given a controversial impression or an impression of controversy especially in terms of its political orientation, is now very clearly taking a position on the political spectrum and probably irreversibly abolishing its own (to some extent quite comfortable) political freedom and neutrality.

The album opens with The Whistleblowers, a contagiously optimistic piece of classic militant and symphonic Laibach, sounding like the sequel to Lieutenant F J Ricketts 1914 Colonel Bogey March. No History knows no mercy, and leaves no doubt: Laibach require uncompromising action, they demand bravery and boldness and seek heroes who will be the creed of a new political faith. And, in one of the verses of this song, listeners can find a mini manifesto about the album itself, its sonic expression, and the position of the group in relation to its own history.

In amongst these rallying calls from the band sits a rare Laibach love song: We Are Millions And Millions Are One deals with love in todays impossible times, times which are dangerously close to the fictional reality of classic anti-utopian novels such as Yevgeny Zamyatins We, Laibachs inspiration for this song.

Ending the album is the elegant utopian song Koran, a track that shows the possibility of a better and fairer world on Earth or in the hereafter. Consequently, the album ends with the (in)complete, open, unfinished sound of a piano key.

The LP format includes a copy of the album on CD.

Spectres release will be followed by a worldwide tour, which includes dates at Londons KOKO, as well as the bands first foray into China.