Rammstein, Self-titled, Album Review
Rammstein
Self-titled
Album Review
Before 2019, the last Rammstein album we had (aside from greatest hits and live albums) was released way, way back in 2009. This would mean its been roughly a decade since Rammstein blessed us with a full LP of original material.
With this in mind, I was both extremely excited and extremely nervous; big bands making a "comeback" after so many years mostly prove to be underwhelming a lot of the time. This is obviously because of the limitless amount of hype one could generate for a big band comeback.
Nevertheless, 2019 is the year that marks the return of the ingenious industrial metal band from Germany. This latest album (simply title RAMMSTEIN) was heralded with the first teaser track "DEUTCHLAND". I must honestly say that this song is fan service incarnate! Because of this, while I try my best not to build my hopes up too much for an album like this one, "DEUTCHLAND" set the bar very, very high.
What followed was another teaser track titled "RADIO", which proved to be yet another catchy banger to add to Rammstein's vast discography of anthems and a perfect example of just how fun the band are to listen to.
Upon the full albums release, I was already up to my eyes in new music (one-hundred percent not a bad thhing). But with my attention currently on albums like Tyler, the Creators IGOR and slowthais Nothing Great About Britain, my first reaction to the album being out was a bit more dismissive than I would've liked.
Thankfully, I managed to find time to listen to Rammstein's self-titled piece, and quite frankly, it absolutely blew me away!
Given the circumstances of last Friday as well as the high-hopes I had for Rammstein's return, it was crucial that this album performed incredibly well. And perform well it most certainly did.
This album starts off in a very fitting way with the first two songs on the album being the previously mentioned teaser tracks.
What followed on the rest of the album was unknown to me until that first listen. But every single track left me with very litte to pick at. In other words, the rest of the album is phenomenal. Especially the third track "ZEIG DICH" which literally took my breath away with its epic, hard-hitting melody which felt like the lovechild of a Rammstein song and one from System Of A Down.
Each track that this album has to offer carries a different mood and there genuinely is something for everyone on here. From the hauntingly dark "PUPPE" to the stripped-back, calming tune "DIAMANT" this album has a bit of everything. One thing that does remain consistent on the album however, is simply how fun and enjoyable it is to listen to. It shows as proof that Rammstein haven't forgotten their niche in the slightest, and I couldn't be happier to know that.
Another noteworthy aspect of this album would be how ingeniously it has been structured. Starting off with the teaser tracks was the perfect way to ease people who have listened to those tracks beforehand into the overall aesthetic of the album. It also allows people who hadn't to get up to speed. Following this is a triad of absolute bangers ("ZEIG DICH", "AUSLANDER" and "SEX"). After this, the album takes a much more mellow and ambient approach with "PUPPE", "WAS ICH LIEBE" and "DIAMANT". The latter especially allowed for a bit of a departure from Rammsteins typical upbeat-ness. The album then concludes with another segment of bangers but are eased into it with "WEIT WEG" which is both an electronic juggernaut of a song and a beautifully solemn melody. The last two tracks "TATOO" and "HALLOMANN" end things off with a bang.
In terms of a favourite track, I would say that it is currently between "ZEIG DICH" and "WEIT WEG". However, both "TATOO" and "AUSLANDER" are creeping up as well.
I shall conclude this review with what I think is the absolute best thing about this album; which is its title. The fan service within "DEUTCHLAND" was no gimmick; it was a foreshadowing that Rammstein were going to make an impact upon their return. This album is a self-titled one despite not being their first. So rather than being an introductory self-titled album, this is the bands re-introduction after such a long hiatus. This is RAMMSTEIN!
Thank you for reading
Booth Boy
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