Review THE IDIOTS ‘König der Idioten’

The Idiots belong to the forerunners of German-based punk rock. The band started its first era in 1978. Sir Hannes and bandmates generated a wider interest with Jello Biafra from the legendary Dead Kennedys ordering the first 5-track single of the band called ‘Der S04 und der BVB’. After a first wild era, The Idiots disbanded in 1992 and Sir Hannes started with Phantoms Of Future and Honigdieb two new outfits.

The band reunited though in 2012and started to play several shows. In addition, new song has been written and three album saw the light of day. With ‘König der Idioten’, the next longplayer is waiting in line and it’s another energizing punk rock album from the German veterans.

Considering the past years and the current turmoil in parts of the world created a lot of fury, with the new songs being the perfect outlet pent-up anger. Therefor it doesn’t surprise that ‘König der Idioten’ is a raging sound assault, mirroring a sound that blends punk, hardcore, and metal in a unique The Idiots fashion.

The Idiots Band (Photo: Benito Barajas)

The new longplayer features 10 songs of which ‘Darkness’ is the opening blast. After a thumping beat kicks-off song and album, ‘Darkness’ evolves to a furious song and sets the stage for the nine songs to come. The approach doesn’t change with the mighty ‘Terror’ before the band shifts gear with ‘Downtown Lover’, a song with an Iggy Pop-ish chorus.

‘Psychopath’ is another highlight on ‘König der Idioten’. The sinister acoustic based start leads to a massive pounding anthem with a strong rock’n’roll reference. Motörhead came to my mind when I listened to this smashing ode to dirty punk rock.

The newest offer from The Idiots doesn’t know a weak spot. Regardless of if you listen to ‘Never Give Up’ or punkonaise to ‘Punkrock Bunny’, each of these ten tracks is a little highlight in itself, which also goes to the dark and raging ‘SchwArz’.

‘König der Idioten’ is a versatile punk rock album that shows many facets. Sir Hannes and bandmates managed to transfer the vibe of the early days into the here and now. The band proves that punkrock is a mindset and totally independent from age. This album has its roots in the early 80s and at the same time mirrors the current state of the world. The Idiots, a band that still has something to say.