BEST OF KONG: 1988-1995

The essential release by Kong - the greatest band you've never heard of

Combining the best songs off of arguably their 3 best albums (Mute Poet Vocalizer, Phlegm, and Push Comes to Shove), Kong has left us with a fine collection piece that culminates their greatest artistic work. Kong established sounds never thought possible, combining multiple styles and blending them into a truly original sound. An influential band that really has no peers, Kong really distinguished themselves with the release 'Phlegm'.

Blending styles of metal with electronics and house rhythms, this collection was a tribute to the fans of Kong, incorporating their favorites on a final release. The music here is all instrumental, with driving drums and heavily distorted guitars through a myriad of electronic sounds. A more advanced breed of Radiohead would not be too far off the mark, with more metal tendencies.

The real highlight tracks here are Fair, M.O.N., Stockhouse, Bela Soul, Results, New: although, you really can't go wrong with any of the selections. Stockhouse is perhaps the best and easiest to enjoy along with Bela Soul. Both are highly energetic, to a frenzied, almost to the point of an out of body like experience. It's important to note that despite all indications one might get, Kong did not particularly experimnet with drugs. M.O.N. is a track that might be looked at as an establishment for the Meshuggah sound before that band really crafted their sound.

I urge you to try and find this record. Fans of highly experimental music as well as music with electronics will not be dissapointed. A truly groundbreaking set of releases in one disc. We have some of the finest artistry the world has seen from these Dutchmen.

I suggested this band eight or nine months ago, and it's nice to see they've made it to the PA. KONG is a band that doesn't fit in any category of music, because their music is nothing that can be compared to any other band. They blend metal, symphonic prog, techno (more on their last two albums though), sometimes each member of the band playing a different riff resulting in a weird combination. This album is a compilation of the Peaceville era (first three albums), and since their albums seem to be out of print, it's the best way to get familiar with the band.

The first track "Fair" is actually the demo of the song that appears on Mute Poet Vocalizer - the sound here is raw and reminds a bit of heavy King Crimson ("Red" for example comes to mind). The next track "P.r.o.k.o.v." is one of the most progressive song on this compilation and follows "Fair" in the same Crimsonesque pattern. "Cows" is weirder, with dissonances, and if it still reminds of King Crimson, it's more the "Discipline" era that comes to mind. "Quiet !", as the title suggests, is a quieter song - somewhere between King Crimson ProjeKcts and The Art of Noise.

"M.O.N." starts the "Phlegm" part of this compilation - the sound has improved, the music is more metallic. "Stockhouse" is maybe the trademark of KONG's sound - industrial metal (Ministry like) blended with electronic samples. "Wrong" is a short slow paced industrial metal track. "Bela Soul" follows "Stockhouse" in the same industrial/electronic pattern.

"Workbank 3" is a previously unreleased track written between "Phlegm" and "Push Come To Shove" - sounds a bit like a demo/improv track.

The first track from the "Push Come To Shove" album, "Results", is presented here live - and introduces the particularity of KONG when playing live: all four members playing not together as a band, but on four different locations on the stage for an ultimate musical experience. On "Ditch", a relaxed track, the sound feels more polished, with more electronic samples. "Hoover" sees the return of the industrial sound, with a calm interlude after three minutes or so. The last epic track "New", almost 10 minutes long, is very catchy with heavy guitars, and again reminds of quieter Ministry.

Rating: 80/100 (excellent - 4 stars)