I was "forced" to go to a Depeche Mode show in like 88 and they had Nitzer Ebb-another Front 242 style band-and there were lots of nazis there throwing up the arm and all dressed up and shit. They were very good though-I became an EBM-fan for a short while after that show.

Anyway, this statement is nonsense and if you actually listen to Front 242's classic stuff like "Head hunter", their msuci was based on the same post-disco rhythms that characterized synth-pop; it was harder and harsher, sure, but still synth and clearly in that tradition complete with nods to afro-american style grooves.

The european aesthetic of those acts primarily came through in the image as well as a rejection of the "US/UK is cool"-aesthetic that has characterized european pop as a whole with some exceptions. Also, they flirted with military, fascist imagery as well as S&M, submissive sex etc. and it came through in the music.

"Primitive" european rhythms though-FOH! If you want that, listen to some traditional sami music where a big drum is beaten upon every 10th second or so...