Die Krupps performing during the The Squirrely Years at Emo's Austin in Austin, Texas on May 2, 2025, with Jürgen Engler, Ralf Dörper, Paul Keller, and Dylan Smith. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Die Krupps stand as pivotal figures in the evolution of industrial music, seamlessly blending electronic body music (EBM) with the raw aggression of heavy metal. Initially conceived by Jürgen Engler, Ralf Dörper, and Bernward Malaka, the band's name itself, "The Krupps", draws inspiration from the Krupp dynasty, a prominent German industrial family, a choice reflecting their early sonic explorations of metallic percussion and factory noises.
Their early output, including the seminal album "Stahlwerksynfonie," showcased a unique fusion of industrial soundscapes with metallic elements. However, subsequent releases like "Volle Kraft Voraus!" and "Entering the Arena" saw them lean towards a more synth-pop influenced sound, even incorporating English lyrics for the first time.
A significant turning point arrived when Ralf Dörper collaborated with Nitzer Ebb on a revamped version of Die Krupps' early track "Wahre Arbeit, wahrer Lohn," retitled "Machineries of Joy." This collaboration's chart success reignited interest in Die Krupps and paved the way for their groundbreaking fusion of EBM and metal in the early 1990s.
Albums like "I" and "II - The Final Option" marked this sonic shift, incorporating heavy guitar riffs and a more aggressive vocal delivery, effectively pioneering the industrial metal genre alongside bands like Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. Their willingness to experiment led to the "Tribute to Metallica" EP, featuring Metallica covers performed entirely with keyboards and samplers, a novelty that garnered them wider attention.
Die Krupps further explore their sound with albums like "III - Odyssey of the Mind" (1995), which leaned towards a more experimental and introspective approach, and "Paradise Now", a heavier, groove-metal influenced album. Following "Paradise Now," the band disbanded, with Jürgen Engler pursuing his DKay.com project.
However, Die Krupps reunited to celebrate their 25th anniversary, leading to a renewed period of activity. They have since released several albums, including "The Machinists of Joy" and "V - Metal Machine Music", reaffirming their status as innovators in the industrial and metal scenes. Their influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable, and their legacy as pioneers who dared to merge seemingly disparate genres remains firmly etched in music history. Even now, they continue to tour and release new music, demonstrating their enduring creative drive.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at Emo's Austin
I have seen a bunch of shows of Die Krupps and I can tell you, the band is getting better and better with every single year. Very energetic Metal-meets-EBM shows with exceptional fun-factor for the audience.
Die Krupps are still my heros of MetalMachineMusic. Great Show, great musicians, great music.
- Nazis auf Speed
- Der Amboss
- Fatherland
- Metal Machine Music
- Human
- To the Hilt
- Bloodsuckers
Die Krupps shared the stage with Ministry and Nitzer Ebb at Emo's Austin. They continue across the United States and Canada with the last stop at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 5, 2025.
Die Krupps
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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