Nitzer Ebb - As Is and Ebbhead (1991)

As Is and Ebbhead (1991)

Exposure to large stadium crowds and the intensity of the whole rock-and-roll business provided a stimulus for the group to start to develop a more rock-oriented sound to its razor-sharp electronic dance music, and 1991's As Is EP (produced by Killing Joke's Jaz Coleman, Flood, Depeche Mode's Alan Wilder, and Barry Adamson) saw the band adopt a more traditional songwriting approach, and it paved the way for the aforementioned Ebbhead.

Ebbhead was released in September 1991 and showcased a new confidence in the band's songwriting and production (ably assisted by Flood and Alan Wilder), while the single "I Give to You" was a sweeping orchestral introduction to the band's new grand ideas. Two further singles, “Godhead” and “Ascend” combined sampled guitar riffs, throbbing analogue synths, and anthemic choruses. A world tour followed from Autumn 1991 to Summer 1992, spanning the US, Canada, Europe, and Russia.