RAMMSTEIN

The Mighty Rammstein has returned with their first new music in a decade!(Review starts on Paragraph 4)I've been a fan of Rammstein for a long time, around 15 years. I really didn't start getting into them heavily until 'Liebe ist für alle da', their wonderful work from 10 years ago. I even took German in high school to understand Rammstein(Didn't work by the way). Once I had the capital, I bought all of their albums. I was very fortunate to see them in 2012 when they embarked on their US tour after returning to the US for the first time in a decade to a sold out Madison Square Garden show. It was the most amazing show I've ever seen and probably will ever see.Rammstein, for me, hasn't ever put out a bad album. I think this largely has to do with them really starting the band when they were grown men. While most of the members had been in bands before Rammstein, they were all in their late 20's and early 30's by the time they unleashed 'Herzeleid'. Rammstein has evolved greatly over time, never the less, you can always tell it's Rammstein you are listening to. These guys are the German Metallica, only they haven't put out a terrible album or had any member changes.It may help these men came from a strange era, growing up in East Berlin. They are also very varied on their opinions and likes. During 'Mutter' and 'Liebe ist für alle da' the band almost broke up over musical direction and creative process. Yet they have persisted. They also don't rush the process, putting an album out on average every four years, which in turn means they haven't put out a bad album.The band isn't afraid to push the envelope, but most importantly, they make the music they want to make. It has never been so apparent as on this appropriately Untitled release. Richard, lead guitarist, said that they really wanted to make music forefront of the effort, as he felt their shows spectacle overshadowed the music they produced. While I've never felt that way, I understand what he means.The entire band is a lot more active than on past outings, but I would say the effort is very much an evolution of 'Liebe ist für alle da'. Flakes keys are more apparent than ever, adding insane vibes all throughout the album. His parts are easily over looked, but he clearly elevate the songs atmospherically. Ollie on bass gets his own little piece in Zeig Dich. Doom(drummer) is using is double bass very creatively, his impact is felt throughout the music, always delivering interesting beats. He and Ollie lend their weight to all the songs.Elevated more than even Flakes Keys, the guitarists are front and center. Richard and Paul are lead and rhythm guitar respectively. There hasn't been a time in Rammsteins history that the leads stood out like on this record. Paul himself beautifully supports Richards leads, either by strumming with Ollie in rhythm or by playing his own lead esque parts. These two really sealed the deal, playing that heavy tearing distortion that is to be expected by Rammstein and even playing great acoustic on Diamant.Overall, the music is more dynamic than it's ever been, each song almost specifically it's own feel, while simultaneously keeping that same quality they have been known for over their 25 years. It was a treat to hear them not only explore new realms of music, but also that no song feels out of place throughout.That said, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. That of course is the iconic front man, Mr. Till Lindeman. I never want to take any credit from the band members, but while Rammstein musically is unlike any other, Till seals the deal. His deep, angry and tragic vocals are unlike any other, so proves he belongs in Rammstein. The madman is ever present here, performing in every one of his personalities. Tough guy vocals in Tattoo, sorrowful in Deutschland and angry in Puppe(puppet). While I didn't read exact lyrics, I read synopsis and needless to say, he is as lyrically clever as ever.Till is the oldest member of the band, but you would think he was still the same age as when they released 'Mutter'. His voice delivers soft highs and guttural lows, even growling and screaming from time to time. His voice sounds like it did decades ago and he still has something worth saying.The band is as heavy as they've ever been and as dangerous as ever. I'll put it very clearly, this album is worth the wait. The music is more dynamic than ever, but still very much Rammstein. Till is still as scary and emotional as ever.I must address that the Deluxe was a bit of surprise, it doesn't have any extra tracks, but it still has a very cool DVD sized case, with individual pictures of every member. If you don't need that, feel free to buy the standard edition, but I'm not disappointed.Overall, the album is wonderful. It's something you haven't heard from Rammstein before, while also being everything the band is. The Legends have returned, and more importantly, they've raised the bar. PICK THIS ALBUM UP!

Ok, so today I received, from the Amazon Prime truck, this CD, Rammstein. First, I would like to quickly disagree with the person who said their sound had changed, that Deutschland is the closest in sound that matches their other CDs. What I could play of the CD, which was all but one song, is very catchy after a couple of rounds, and TIL saves the whole damn thing! The keyboards are annoying, and Richard's guitars are not standout. Now, to the actual physical product. My CD was so F**&%&^ up that there's no way the Prime driver did this. See pictures. It was crushed in half from the back. The plastic inside was totally shattered, and the reason I couldn't hear the 11th song is because the actual CD is BENT! I definitely called Amazon and got a refund on this POS. I may order or buy this CD elsewhere, but not through Amazon. I believe Amazon got a massively damaged shipment and should seriously take this up with their supplier. SMH It's just incredible. I've been buying CDs for about 30 years, and I have NEVER seen anything so damaged and f'd up! I'd like to give the CD 4 stars, and the packaging, which I'm sure someone with Rammstein had control over a 1 or NO star. It's just flimsy. It's thinner than any paper cases I have EVER seen. So, if you buy it here, be prepared to return it. I would get it in person, if that were even possible anymore, to be sure it's not f________ crushed!Another day later and endless re-listens, on computer, stereo, car, and another stereo.... Alright, I like this one better than LIFAD. Standouts, and anyone that remotely understands German would agree: Deutschland, Zeig Dich, Auslaender (quite danceable), Sex (great song!), Puppe (finally, a new, original headbanging song! Am sure there'll be major concert theatrics with this song), Was Ich Liebe (great!). Weit Weg is good. Richard finally perks up the guitars, but the retro sounding keys is a bit meh. It is a good song, however. Tattoo is another basic hard rock song. "Show me yours, I'll show you mine." It's a jammer, OK!Diamant is a short, slow ballad. Enjoyable enough. The songwriting/lyrics are up to par, as ever. Basic enough for marginal German speakers to understand and appreciate the lingual twists and turns. The music is good enough for anyone that has no idea what Till is singing. I will say and stick to that sometimes the keyboards are suitable, and sometimes cheesy, but what are you going to do.Still can't believe the condition of the CD I received, and no, I was not able to press out the distinct bend in the CD. So, can't review Hallomann. Beware how your CD may show up. However, the WORK is priceless to the Rammstein lover. Actually, it ranks quite high in German hard rock, whether you're a Rammstein fan or not. I have always loved the pronunciation and rolling of the R's that Till does. Good luck finding that in everyday society (over in Deutschland). I'm sure everyone in the band contributed well, but sorry, Rammstein IS that voice. They couldn't do it without him. Enjoy!