Rammstein
Mutter


4.5
superb

Review

by Tunaboy45 USER (28 Reviews)
June 22nd, 2014 | 961 replies


Release Date: 2001 | Tracklist

Review Summary: In tweaking a few things here and there, Rammstein craft a master class in industrial metal.

Rammstein are known for their immediate, impactful music and aggressive vocals courtesy of Till Lindemann. With their previous album Sehnsucht, they made their presence known worldwide, thanks in part to the fantastic Du Hast.

In fairness, Mutter doesn’t differ too far from the sound of the previous album. The only major difference is the addition of symphonic instrumentation on tracks like Mein Herz Brennt and the Title Track and thanks to that, they end up being two of the best tracks on the album. Mein Herz Brennt is a dark and foreboding track, beginning with Till delivering his lines in an almost spoken word style, backed up by a menacing yet simple drum beat and a minimalistic violin. Mutter may just be the most emotional track Rammstein have ever recorded. Here, the symphonic elements are definitely toned down but what really makes this song so powerful is again, Till’s delivery of his lines. Every word he utters is filled with emotion and pain and rightfully so, as the song is a reference to Richard Kruspe and Till’s unhappy childhood due to their detachment from their mothers. This is perfectly demonstrated from 2:48 onwards, when Till is whispering “Mutter” many times until it becomes a pain drenched shout. Taken into context, it’s heartbreaking stuff.

But it isn’t all just symphonic metal. The trademark electronic songs are there, like Spieluhr which begins with electronics that sound like something from a demented nursery rhyme. It features the electronically altered vocals of a little girl in the chorus, further adding to the nursery rhyme atmosphere and making it incredibly catchy. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be a Rammstein album without a light hearted song full of slightly eccentric sexual lyrics and that comes in the form of Zwitter (Hermaphrodite in English). In this track, everything just seems to flow perfectly, with the drums, guitars, electronics and bass (while not always audible) complimenting each other perfectly. These men are lifelong friends and you can definitely tell in the music. Another example of this is Links 2 3 4, only the electronics are less present.

Without a doubt, my favourite tracks from the album are Adios and the first glimpse people got of the album back in 2001, Sonne. The album could have easily ended with Adios, as opposed to Nebel, a very laid back, slow track. I am not by any means saying that it is boring, I just think that since the album started with a bang, it could have ended the same way. The guitar effect on Adios at around the 2 minute mark is absolutely fantastic, and it never fails to put a massive grin on my face. Sonne is definitely one of the most well known Rammstein songs, beginning with a countdown before everything else kicks in. You can actually hear the bass on this song in the verses. It is playing essentially the same lines as the guitar but it works perfectly. In the bridge, Till affirms , “The sun is shining out of my hands, it can burn, it can blind you” becoming increasingly aggressive, amounting to “It lays down painfully on your chest, balance is lost, it lets you go hard to the floor, and the world counts loudly to ten”. Powerful lyricism or sexual innuendo? You decide.

Overall, this is an excellent album which truly features something for everyone, from fans of more aggressive metal and massive riffs (Sonne and Fueur Frei) to the more symphonic side of metal (Mutter and Mein Herz Brennt). I would say this is a perfect starting point for anyone interested in this band, and it comes with a high recommendation.



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user ratings (1691)
4
excellent
other reviews of this album
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Comments:Add a Comment 
BMDrummer
June 22nd 2014


15165 Comments


Haven't heard this yet, but have a pos

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thank you very much. It was my introduction to the band.

Shuyin
June 22nd 2014


14978 Comments


good review, have a pos

this is part of my childhood, fucking love this album. btw this was also my first rammstein LP but the one i heard first was live aus berlim

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thank you! That is an excellent live album.

BigBlob
June 22nd 2014


5888 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Love this album. Feuer frei! is just ridiculous

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

BANG BANG!

BigBlob
June 22nd 2014


5888 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

FEUER FREI!

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I can't emphasize how much I love the guitar effect in Adios.

ExplosiveOranges
June 22nd 2014


4408 Comments


Never was big on Rammstein, but review is well-written.

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks Explosive!

bmon13
June 22nd 2014


15 Comments


good review. pos

Sabrutin
June 22nd 2014


9843 Comments


Mein Herz Brennt and Sonne rule hard, I should dig more Rammstein. Pos'd.

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks! I've been listening to this album loads lately.

Sabrutin
June 22nd 2014


9843 Comments


I should do the same, but I always find an excuse.

Tunaboy45
June 22nd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Once you start and get into it, you might get hooked. There really aren't any bad songs.

RVAHC13
June 23rd 2014


837 Comments



ICH WILL DASS IHR MICH VERSTEHT

someguest
June 23rd 2014


30205 Comments


I love these guys. A cool sound, fun vocal parody of Hitler, and a great no fucks given attitude.

DrGonzo1937
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2014


18513 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Nice review Tuna. Pos.

Tunaboy45
June 23rd 2014


18564 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks! Yeah Rammstein do what they want haha.

Rastapunk
June 23rd 2014


1584 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I'm 15 again, listening to this and Amerika non stop :D



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