Structured around 8 tracks and an outro of sorts, Malfeitor takes adds a harsh, heavy edge to the industrial sound that was prevalent during its release. With keyboards and a propulsive beat, the hallmarks of industrial music are very apparent, but Maschinenzimmer 412 had other plans. Adding shrieking noise and metallic smashings and scrapings, the terror of the industrial boiler room moves to the front and lets the listener know that this isn't an ordinary album for the time period. And this makes a lot of sense considering that Malfeitor was originally released on Cold Meat Industry, which was well known for their abrasive, hard-to-swallow sounds. However, unlike many of their labelmates, M 412 keep their harshness as something to accentuate the industrial beats and structure, and certainly keep their factory focus readily accessible. Eschewing the more club oriented sound from the time, the tracks on Malfeitor do not use their beats and rhythms to elicit dancing, but rather to lure the listener in and bring them closer the beating heart of the machine. This album is about darkness, coldness, and uneasiness, and M 412 capture these feelings efficiently and effectively. Switching up styles between tracks, Malfeitor is able to spread itself over a few different approaches to industrial, and these differences in speed, harshness, and mood help to stitch together an album that remains fresh and interesting with each successive listen.

 

Industrial music has come a long way since 1989 and the release of Malfeitor, but that hasn't taken anything away from this crucial slap of grim goodness. It may not be as harsh as many of today's acts, but that restraint is much of what gives Malfeitor its charm. Balance is very important and by keeping the darkness and factory-like trudging at the forefront, the album builds a hypnotic trap which not only bears repeated spins, but also allows it to remain a fresh-sounding classic over 30 years later.