Laibach (band)
An industrial/techno music group, formed 1980 in Trbovlje, Slovenia, Laibach represents the music wing of the Neue Slowenische Kunst art collective.
Laibach have frequently been accused of Germanophilia thanks to their costumes, which often resembled Nazi officers' uniforms, and also thanks to the Wagnerian stylistic aspects found in some of their music, notably the thunder in "Sympathy for the Devil (Who Killed The Kennedies)". Laibach always denied this strongly, pointing out that, as fascism needs a scapegoat, they had become their own scapegoat in the name of satire. Milan Fras, the lead singer (who is instantly recognisable by his staring eyes and gruff, growling voice), is quoted as saying "We are fascists as much as Hitler was a painter" when confronted with such accusations.
Laibach are notorious for never stepping out of character. Their releases feature artwork by the anti-Nazi artist John Heartfield, and their concerts are held as political rallies. When interviewed, they answer in wry manifestos, showing a ridiculous lust for power.
The name "Laibach" is the German name for Slovenia's capital city, Ljubljana.
They are notable for their cover version of the song "Life is Life" on the album Opus Dei, which completely changes the meaning of the song from the original writers' intentions. Whereas the original is a feel-good hippie anthem, Laibach's subversive interpretation twists the melody into a sinister, rolling military march, with Fras seemingly commanding the music with his gruff, deep voice.
They have done several cover versions - including the Beatles' Let It Be and the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil. Opus Dei also features a cover of Queen's "One Vision".
Slovene singer and radio announcer Anja Rupel has performed with the group.
Selected discography
- Laibach (ŠKUC/Ropot, 1985),
- Nova akropola (Cherry Red, 1985),
- Baptism (1986)
- Opus Dei (Mute Records, 1987),
- Let It Be (Mute Records, 1988),
- Sympathy for the Devil (Mute Records, 1988),
- Macbeth (Mute Records, 1990),
- Kapital (Mute Records, (1992),
- Ljubljana-Zagreb-Beograd, (1993)
- NATO (Mute Records, 1994),
- Jesus Christ Superstars (The Grey Area/Mute Records, 1996),
- WAT (Mute Records, 2003).
