Legendary Industrial rockers KMFDM have been an integral figure in the music scene since they formed in Paris, France, 25 years ago under the vision of Sascha Konietzko. With 20-plus albums to their credit and a revolving door of members, one constant had been front man Tim Skold.
However, seven years ago, Skold left KMDFM to work with Marilyn Manson. He planned to only produce the single “Tainted Love.” Yet, he ended up collaborating on the entire soundtrack to Resident Evil.
Then, Skold joined Manson’s band in 2002. He took over the bass duties when Twiggy Ramirez led the band, and he also added artwork, electronics, drum programming, guitar, keyboards, and accordion to his work load. Skold even took on production duties for the 2003 Marilyn Mason release The Golden Age of Grotesque.
Despite Skold’s departure, Konietzko continued on with KMDFM. In June of 2008, the two former bandmates started talking about working on a new album.
With Skold in Los Angeles and Konietzko in Germany, the two were nine hours apart. The time difference actually benefitted the duo because while Skold was sleeping in the West, it would be time to work for Konietzko. The result was the new 22-song album Skold vs. KMFDM released this month.
Innocent Words: How did you come to name the new album Skold vs. KMFDM?
Tim Skold: Agreeing that this would not be a Skold album or a KMFDM album, but instead a clash of the two, we thought keeping the album self-titled was the right thing to do.
IW: Do you feel the title will lead people to think this is a competition between you and KMFDM main man Sascha Konietzko?
Skold: I feel that the title will let people know that this is not two guys hanging out patting each other on the back. This is music made from inspired and honest creative challenges. And no, since there cannot be a winner, there is no competition.
IW: What can fans expect from the 22-track new release?
Skold: Our fans know what to expect; it's everyone else we should worry about.
IW: What made you and Sascha want to get back together and work on new material?
Skold: Creative greed. The need to strive to further our exploration into the far reaches of the ultra-heavy beat.
IW: You have worked with a lot of different people in your amazing musical career. How do you decide what music you have to go with what project?
Skold: I like to try to let the music be whatever it wants to be. I like to keep things natural and spontaneous, to leave out as much of the politics and business as possible.
IW: You have been in KMFDM for over ten years. How would you describe the time in the band?
Skold: KMFDM can be a real, festering breeding ground for all forms of creativity; I absolutely love it.