The 9th release from German band Oomph! very good and inspiring record to listen to, but contains nothing new or very original.
Oomph! is
Dero - Drums, Vocals
Crap - Guitars, Keyboards
Flux - Guitars, Samples
The music: The music can be described more of a hard rock sound in the album, with that industrial bit in it. Most songs on here contain that catchy infectious/melodic chorus while having a standard verse affair.
Zuviel liebe kann dich toten, das letzte steichholz, land in sicht, Gott ist ein popstar, traumst du would be most of it. Highly distorted guitars are used to back-up the melodic vocals of Dero, while sometimes incorporating lots of electronic stuff, i.e
zuviel liebe kann dich toten. Some songs on here to convey emotion too, like
das letzte steichholz and
die schlinge. Overall, a very good sound to the album, relying on the verse-chorus formula and having infectious choruses, backed up with highly distorted guitars and some electronic elements. However, do watch out for some fillers like
Dreh dich nicht um. I do sometimes feel that the fact that the lyrics are in German does add that extra edge to it.
Vocals: The vocal work from Dero has always been that of a somewhat rapsy rock voice that he utilizes on almost all of the songs. However, he does sometimes throw in that "machine-like" rap/sing voice on this record that i do not particularly like. He has a good voice imo, and especially for a German rock band, he sounds particulary good. Saying voices like his suits German music may be right, but...judge yourself.
Guitars: If there is anything that needs improving, it is the guitars, but i can understand though, its not like they are a straight out metal band. However, what they use here on this record, as on their other releases have been flat out down tuned power chords. Used throughout the whole album, need i say more?
Drums: There's nothing special about the drums, granted, they do however sometimes add that something to songs. That one fill here and there, nothing very technical, but flows well with the songs.
Lyrics: The lyrics covers a huge array of topics, like child abuse (das letzte steichholz) to death (die schlinge). Not very exellecent lyrics some of you might say, but this may be due to the fact that the whole album is in German.
In summary, this is an album that churns out tons of catchy, melodic and sometimes emotional stuff. Look pass the simplistic guitars and drums, and you will find yourself a gem. No doubt, Oomph! can still do it after all these years...judging by this album, im sure they could still produce more in the future.
recommended listens: Zuviel liebe kann dich toten, das letzte steichholz, land in sicht, Gott ist ein popstar
Pros: Highly infectious, those catchy/melodic choruses, Dero's vocals.
Cons: Sometimes repetitive, Lyrics are only in German, Simplistic guitar and drum work.
Final Rating:
4...a solid album to listen to, especially in German. However, it has its own flaws.
