RammsteinRenowned for lurid, eye-boggling performances that simply must be experienced first-hand, German industrial-metal band Rammstein could almost remain a constant on the live circuit with scant regard for crafting new material.
They’ve taken their time issuing a new LP though, unleashing this self-titled effort after a decade’s gap. Rammstein isn’t perhaps as immediate, or heavy as predecessor Liebe Ist Für Alle Da. It instead emanates a darker tone that catchy opener/single Deutschland suggested; hefty synths and crunchy power chords further punctuated by Till Lindemann’s distinctive vocal style and subject matter that appears to reference Germany’s imperialistic past.
It’s not wall-to-wall bangers, although the danceable Ausländer and Sex (a little too obvious a song title, even for Rammstein?) are aching to be performed live. These are cuts machine-tooled for open-air festivals and arenas. Irrespective, there’s enough variety to please most, bar perhaps casual fans merely seeking the instant gratification of bruising, visceral riffs. There’s the group’s idiosyncratic approach to balladry on Diamant, and moody, atmospheric closer Hallomann satisfies. This is contrasted by Puppe, which appears to be headed in one direction as Lindemann croons to gentle beats, before it turns into an anguished roar and a stabbing, goth-infused musical attack.
Rammstein offers a fair chunk of cuts deserving of inclusion in “best of”-style playlists. More importantly, they’ll be a fitting soundtrack to many onstage high jinks next time their touring circus rolls through your town.
