ALBUM REVIEW: Zeit – Rammstein

Very few bands have had such an eventful career as the iconic RAMMSTEIN. From scintillating live performances to a whole host of censorship battles, the band have become a global phenomenon. It has been three years since the release of their seventh studio album and it is now time to prepare yourselves for the follow-up entitled Zeit which is due for release on April 29th via Universal Music. Will this effort push the envelope further than ever before?

Armee Der Tristen kicks off this release with a combination of dramatic synths and a captivating prose. Alluring riff work is also littered around the track. The vibrant, uplifting melodies towards the latter stages are not something we are used to experiencing from RAMMSTEIN with their penchant for treading through the darker side of the spectrum. It is also slightly ironic given the translation of the song title (‘Army Of The Sad’).

Zeit on the other hand follows a more solemn, melancholic path, utilising emotive piano segments to give it an enticing cinematic edge. The minimalistic, swarming guitar elements really assist in amplifying the atmosphere being constructed. Schwarz also goes instantly for the heart-strings, opting for a restrained yet gripping pacing. The sinister undertones add an extra element of unease to proceedings. Giftig delves into familiar territory as the German powerhouses begin to flex their industrial prowess. The multi-faceted vocal delivery of frontman Till Lindemann brings a variety of moods and sensations to the forefront.

Zick Zack offers up some addictive riffing as the cheeky, playful side of the band rears its head, taking jabs at the growing fascination with cosmetic enhancements. This is destined to be a sure-fire live hit. OK ups the ante with punchy hooks and signature electronica fuelled intensity. If you close your eyes you can envisage seeing the pyro flying from every conceivable angle. Meine Tränen takes a significantly uncomfortable turn touching on the subject of abuse. Whether you can fully understand the theme or not, the narrative and accompanying vibe are enough to sense the mood that is being conveyed. Angst exhibits jarring waves of heaviness alongside impactful snare hits. Another stellar vocal performance is also unveiled and will undoubtedly leave you with goosebumps.

Initial impressions of the amusingly titled Dicke Titten were that RAMMSTEIN had been working their way through the Wallace and Gromit boxset in their downtime, but it doesn’t take long for another round of crunchy guitar work to take hold. This has an impending single written all over it, most likely being accompanied by another wild and whacky x-rated video. Lügen brings a serious demeanour back into focus, combining subtle tones with powerful energetic bursts to great effect. The inclusion of autotuned sections toes the line between questionable and genius. Adieu instantly reels you in with its tense synths that soon descend into a monstrous stadium rock riff that will have you banging your head in approval. This track is so seamlessly euphoric that it leaves you with a sense of contentment as the album draws to a close.

RAMMSTEIN have forged a storied career of throwing predictability and caution out of the nearest window and Zeit could well be their boldest endeavour yet. This release has everything you could hope for from the legendary outfit as it traverses through the entire emotional spectrum, proving once more exactly why they are one of the most consistently forward thinking bands to ever grace the music industry. It is uncertain how much longer they will continue to grace us with their presence but before we worry about their inevitable cessation, prepare to embrace another masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10

Zeit is out now via Universal Music.

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