Today’s video of the day is Laibach – “Opus Dei / Life is Life” released in 1988.
Laibach, the controversial Slovenian Post-Industrial band, emerged from Trbovlje in 1980, during the era of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Their name, derived from the German moniker for Slovenia’s capital city Ljubljana, symbolized their fusion of regional identity with global expression. Initially pioneering Martial Industrial music, Laibach evolved their sound over time, embracing elements of Rock, Pop, and Techno. This evolution culminated in their 1988 release “Opus Dei,” a groundbreaking album that showcased their daring departure from traditional boundaries.
The video for the song “Opus Dei / Life is Life,” a track from this pivotal album, provides a visual manifesto of Laibach’s artistic ethos. Directed by Goran Gajić, the footage is drawn from the film “Pobeda pod suncem” (Victory under the Sun), capturing performances in Belgrade and Munich in 1987. Moreover, the inclusion of live shots from their concert in Ljubljana, filmed by Marjan Osole Max, emphasizes the band’s connection to their roots and their relentless pursuit of innovation.
“Opus Dei / Life is Life” marks a significant turning point in Laibach’s discography, signaling their transition towards a more diverse sonic palette. This shift paved the way for subsequent albums, where they continued to push boundaries and challenge conventions. In 2015, Laibach made history by becoming the first ‘western’ band to perform in North Korea, a testament to their fearless exploration of new frontiers. Their ability to captivate audiences across cultures underscores the universal appeal of their music.
With “Opus Dei,” Laibach not only solidified their position as pioneers of the avant-garde but also demonstrated their enduring relevance in the ever-changing landscape of music. As they continue to defy categorization and defy expectations, their legacy remains a testament to the power of artistic expression to transcend borders and unite disparate voices.
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