When I first heard the song “Pussy” off of Rammstein’s latest offering, I was pleasantly surprised even in the face of a widespread backlash against it. People have been criticizing the band for being too poppy, to which my response would be, why not? Rammstein have never proclaimed themselves to be metal despite using heavy licks, they are a German industrial rock band first and foremost, any aggression that results from their writing process is their way of expressing a type of music that already has an authoritarian bent to it. “Pussy” is just as aggressive as it is melodic, and I don’t see anything wrong with that, especially when the tune is very catchy and filled with ironic amusements about self deprecation in sexuality. So when I was presented with the full album, Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da, for review, I was intrigued by the possibilities that could abound on every track in addition to the one that I had already heard. The result is one of pleasant surprise and fulfillment.

Rammstein rose to prominence because of their take on the industrial rock sound that was becoming popular in the 90’s with the likes of NIN, Tool, Ministry and KMFDM. Unlike all of these bands though, Rammstein was able to make original compositions from beginning to end without the reliance of sampled riffs and other electronic arrangements; they were a metal band (in my opinion) with an industrial vibe, not the other way around, and I think that’s what gave them an advantage over their competition for a long time. With Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da, I feel like that vision has been realized perhaps more so than ever before with some of the most original compositions we have heard from the band. Literally every song is quite unique, and seeing as this is coming from a band that makes industrial rock its niche, that is a bit of a surprise despite the band always looking to push boundaries in their own way. Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da is a great album not just because it represents a creative resurgence by the band, its also one that marks an imminent return to commercialism with catchy choruses and melodies atop the usual heavy riffs.

I have to admit, that the first couple of times I listened to Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da I was sincerely disappointed, but once I allowed myself to accept the changes the band has adopted, I couldn’t help but become sucked into this new world. Rammstein really went all out with this one, and us Americans can only hope that a full U.S. tour will follow this great new effort.

VERY GOOD

Similar Artists: KMFDM, Frankie Goes to Hollywood

1. Rammlied
2. Ich tu dir weh
3. Waidmanns Heil
4. Haifisch
5. B********
6. Frühling in Paris
7. Wiener Blut
8. Pussy
9. Liebe ist für alle da
10. Mehr”
11. Roter Sand

Till Lindemann – lead vocals
Richard Z. Kruspe – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Landers – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Oliver Riedel – bass guitar
Christoph Schneider – drums, percussion
Christian Lorenz – keyboards, samples

Universal/Vagrant

http://www.rammstein.de

http://www.myspace.com/rammstein

Review by CODY