Lament (Einstürzende Neubauten

Lament is a studio album by the German avant-garde band Einstürzende Neubauten. Released in 2014, the album marks a significant departure from the band's traditional sound, incorporating elements of experimental music, noise, and spoken word. Lament is particularly notable for its conceptual basis, drawing heavily on historical events, specifically World War I, to explore themes of loss, mourning, and the human condition.

Background

The inception of Lament can be traced back to a commission for the band to perform at the Diksmuide, Belgium commemoration of the 100th anniversary of World War I. Einstürzende Neubauten, known for their innovative use of industrial sounds and materials in music, took this opportunity to delve into the archives, unearthing original texts, field recordings, and personal letters from soldiers to weave into the fabric of the album. This research-intensive approach allowed the band to create a work that is not only a musical album but also a historical document and a tribute to those who lived through the war.

Composition and Themes

Lament is structured around several key pieces that utilize different sources and soundscapes to convey the album's themes. For example, the track "Kriegsmaschinerie" opens the album with the sounds of machinery and war, setting a stark, mechanical tone that runs throughout the project. Other tracks, like "The Willy - Nicky Telegrams," use actual telegrams exchanged between Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia to explore the personal relationships and political tensions that contributed to the outbreak of the war.

The use of spoken word, archival recordings, and unconventional instruments (such as a theremin and homemade devices) alongside traditional musical elements, creates a rich, layered sound that is both haunting and deeply evocative. The album's exploration of lamentation is not limited to the historical context of World War I but also touches on broader themes of loss, memory, and the impact of war on the human psyche.

Reception

Upon its release, Lament was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the album's ambitious scope and the band's ability to weave historical materials into a compelling musical narrative. Critics highlighted the project's emotional depth and its innovative approach to storytelling through sound. However, some listeners found the album challenging, given its dense, experimental nature and the heavy themes it tackles.

Legacy

Lament stands as a testament to Einstürzende Neubauten's enduring creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of music and art. The album not only adds a significant chapter to the band's discography but also contributes to the broader conversation about how we remember and commemorate historical events through art. Its innovative use of archival materials and sound design has influenced other artists exploring similar themes and has cemented the band's reputation as pioneers in the avant-garde music scene.

Track Listing

1. Kriegsmaschinerie 2. Hymnen 3. The Willy - Nicky Telegrams 4. In De Loopgraaf 5. Der 1. Weltkrieg (Percussion Version) 6. On Patrol in No Man's Land 7. Achterland 8. Lament: 1. Lament 9. Lament: 2. Abwärstsspirale 10. Lament: 3. Pater Peccavi 11. How Did I Die? 12. Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sind 13. Der Beginn des Weltkrieges 1914 (Dargestellt Unter Zuhilfenahme eines Tierstimmenimitators) 14. All of No Man's Land Is Ours

See Also

• World War I
• Avant-garde music
• Experimental music
• Noise music
• Spoken word

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