In the early days of Depeche Mode’s career, many dismissed the group as the kind of fluffy new wave electropop that was as inconsequential and easily discarded as chewed up bubblegum. Opinions began to change, with the band’s fourth album, 1984’s Some Great Reward, which featured edgier production and lyrical themes of BDSM (“Master & Servant”), persecution (“People Are People”) and, most powerfully, religious disillusionment on the controversial closing track “Blasphemous Rumours.”
Swedish industrial icon Skold knows a thing or two about controversy. As a member of Marilyn Manson’s band and even in his solo career, Skold has courted the wrath of the religious community for his use of spiritual imagery in both his album artwork and lyrics. Thus, it’s no surprise that DM’s “Blasphemous Rumours” would resonate with Skold, and no surprise also that his cover version would have an even sharper bite than the original. Following Priest’s version of “Personal Jesus,” Skold’s take on “Blasphemous Rumours” is the second single to be released from the forthcoming All I Ever Wanted – A Tribute To Depeche Mode, which will feature even more incredible covers by Lebanon Hanover, Xiu Xiu, The KVB and more! Also keep an ear out for a brand new Skold album coming later this year!