Einstürzende Neubauten are probably most well known because of a few of their members became a part of Nick Cave's The Birthday Party and, later on, The Bad Seeds. But I feel that knowledge shouldn't stop there as they're probably my favourite 80's industrial group. Einstürzende Neubauten's trademark sound came from their use of custom-built instrument, particularly percussion instruments, which often involved scrap metal and machinery (they don't call it 'industrial' for nothing). Kollaps is their first album to utilise these ideas and the rawness of it all shows. While there are bits of guitar, bass and keyboard to be found, the majority of the album is people hitting metallic objects (chainsaws and drills are also used) while Blixa Bargeld yells over the top. It creates an interesting mix of experimental noise with more 'standard' industrial and seems to sit very well with me. That said, if you're new to Einstürzende Neubauten, I'd probably suggest Halber Mensch or Haus der Lüge ahead of this as they're a little more accessible. But, for the rest of us, Kollaps is an intriguing journey to the noiser side of industrial, and is a journey well worth taking.Runner-up AotW: Earth - Sunn Amps and Smashed Guitars
