Einstürzende Neubauten

The Profile

Einstürzende Neubauten formed in West Berlin in 1980, led by Blixa Bargeld (Christian Emmerich) with N.U. Unruh and, for many years, Alexander Hacke; early member F.M. Einheit was central through the mid‑1990s. Pioneers of industrial/experimental music, they are known for custom instruments built from scrap metal and found objects. Bargeld was also a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (1983–2003).

They popularized the use of non‑traditional instruments (barrels, metal sheets, compressors) and engaged fans via neubauten.org’s Supporter model, notably around Perpetuum Mobile. Reviews here report that in 2025 Alexander Hacke departed and Josefine Lukschy joined on bass, with live performances in 2026 featuring her duet on Stella Maris.

The reviews trace Einstürzende Neubauten from the scrap-metal fury of their early Berlin years to refined, song-oriented phases. Highlights include Kollaps, Halber Mensch, Haus der Lüge, Tabula Rasa, Silence Is Sexy, Perpetuum Mobile, and the WWI-themed Lament. Live accounts praise their custom instruments, percussive architectures, and Bargeld’s theatrical voice. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, noting evolution without betrayal of their identity.