In 2018 and 2019 the German Neue Deutsche Härte band Eisbrecher took the Graspop festival arena by storm. By then the duo Alexx Wesselsky/Noel Pix (both ex-Megaherz) had built a long track record together. Formed in 2002, their eponymous debut ‘Eisbrecher’ pigeonholed them as an EBM (electronic body music) band due to the generous use of electronica but on later records they switched to a more metal-oriented approach. As a result, the EBM label was replaced with that of an industrial metal band. Born entertainer and vocalist Alexx Wesselsky has a powerful, resonating voice that suits Eisbrecher’s intelligent mix of various musical styles, although industrial influences still hold sway. While NDH pioneers Oomph! may have been an inspiration, Eisbrecher are more adventurous when it comes to incorporating different styles of music into their work. Their acclaimed album ‘Schock’ (2015) is a good case in point, with catchy sing-along choruses and influences ranging from electronica to gothic, techno and disco. Their most recent production ‘Kaltfront’ dropped earlier this year and it’s one of their best yet, a hard-hitting slab with standout vocals and insightful comments on the precarious political situation in the world today. #GMM25
