This grand project sees a Laibach utilising new sonic avenues previously uncharted by the band, but with a result that is Laibach to the core. On Volk, each of the tracks is based on and inspired by an original anthem. The opening track, Germania uses Das Lied der Deutschen, originally written in 1797 and used after World War I as the national anthem of the German Empire at the time of the Weimar Republic, and reinterprets it while the single, Anglia, uses John Bull’s God Save The Queen as its inspiration and the result is something quite, quite different. The tracks are mostly sung in English and each anthem has a guest singer, often singing in their native language.

On this album, Laibach have uncovered a common ground linking the nations, a shared patriotic sentiment based around the bloody and violent foundations of nation which here, can be heard in the lyrics and pomp of the largely hymnal tracks. By reinterpreting the music and translating the lyrics of each anthem, the band have not only shown us this common ground, they have also offered up a very pertinent comment on today’s political situation and a warning for future generations.

The album will come in a limited edition hardback book format with watercolour artwork by Laibach as well as full sleeve notes explaining each track.

Laibach formed in Trbovlje, Slovenia in 1980. Volk is their eighth studio album.

Buy from iTunes UK (14 songs)

Producer:  Laibach and Silence