The Write Hear Interview: Blixa Bargeld of Einstürzende Neubauten

"Where I come from, we have one dimension more. That's why we are The Beatles. But we have five."

Amy McGrath

Jul 18, 2024

Transcript

Illustration © 2024 Syd Hughes/IG: @sydsgross

Prologue

Einstürzende Neubauten, a name that reverberates with the raw, untamed pulse of Berlin's underground, is a sonic earthquake that shatters the fragile constructs of conventional music. Led by the enigmatic Blixa Bargeld, whose voice is a spectral whisper from the abyss, the band conjures a maelstrom of sound that both terrifies and enthralls. Their music, a symphony of clanging metal, haunting whispers, and industrial rhythms, is a visceral journey into the heart of a dystopian dreamscape. Bargeld's presence, a spectral figure who stalks the stage like a restless spirit, adds an unsettling layer of intensity to the band's already potent performance. With every crashing chord and guttural scream, Einstürzende Neubauten tears open the wounds of our collective subconscious, exposing the beauty and horror that lie beneath the surface of our carefully constructed reality.

Released in April, Rampen: apm (alien pop music), marks a fascinating turning point in their 44-year career. Rather than resting on their laurels, the band redefines themselves with this album, inventing their own genre: Alien Pop. Rampen presents an eclectic mix of experimental sounds and lyrical themes, blurring the lines between mainstream and subculture. The double album is a testament to the band's continued innovation and relentless drive to forge new paths in the music world. It's a must-listen for longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.