Imagine what would happen if Laibach decided to record Propaganda songs under the musical guidance
of Kraftwerk, Metallica, Jim Thirlwell and Wagner. The result would probably still sound nothing like Rammstein, the
reason being that nothing else I have ever heard sounds like Rammstein. However this combination gives a flavour of the
plethora of influences and styles to be heard on this CD - in virtually every track. Mutter contains the most uplifting,
stompingly gutteral, melodic, pounding, awesome songs I have heard in a long time. The production is crystal clear and
the metal guitars, synth melodies, string sections and disco beats dance superbly around the whispered spoken and
beautifully sung German vocals. It works because it is German - if it was in French it would be awful - and I am honest
enough to admit that it probably sounds better lyrically without knowing the translation of every word. The standout
tracks for me are Mein Herz Brennt, Sonne, Ich Will and Speiluhr with the latter being a sublime musical experience.
The tail end of the CD has some slightly less ambitious tracks (Zwitter, Rein Raus) but even these contain surprises.
Unfortunately the most heard track at the time of writing is probably Feuer Frei as it was included on the Vin Diesel
XXX soundtrack but this is one of the lesser achievements of this collection. The only problem for Rammstein is finding
their audience because of their sheer diversity. At risk of showing my age, I have not been as astonished by
a band since buying Nail by Scraping Foetus Off the Wheel over 15 years ago. Rammstein are probably not
everyone's flavour of music but they are definitely mine.
