Andy Hinds of AllMusic gave a mixed review, calling some of the band's ideas repetitive while praising the programming.

[1] He also commented that the band keeps its sound fresh by bringing in new contributing artists for each new album, and noted the presence of Tim Skold and Nivek Ogre.

He called the production top quality and the album "a fine place for newcomers to start," but said that Symbols offers people that have been following the band few surprises.

[1] Kevin Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times called "Megalomaniac" an "incredible, irresistible opener" and said the album "could result in a KMFDM takeover of electronica.

[10] The song was also played in the background of the final video posted by Pekka-Eric Auvinen on YouTube before the Jokela school shooting in Finland.