Only about a year after their last studio effort, Reise, Reise, German electro-rockers Rammstein return with new album Rosenrot, and in my opinion this is their best since 1997 release Sehnsucht.

I have enjoyed Rammstein since I first heard them, and I think that their whole concept of pyrotechnically spectacular stage shows and lyrics where homosexuality and sadomasochism often are among the least deviant subjects goes beyond simple “shock-rock” and takes a few steps into deeper artistic territories. There is what feels like a deliberate mix between subtlety and crudeness that indicates that it is more than a striving for effect that drives the band.

Anyway, back to the new album: I think Rosenrot is a large improvement over Reise, Reise – the album gives a more complete and powerful impression, which is kind of strange since both albums (from what I have gathered) were recorded at the same time. Overall it is the trademark Rammstein blend of hard, masculine parts blended with more moody and melancholic electronic bits, but there is also something that makes it feel heavier than before – the guitar riffs are fatter and have more metal to them, Till Lindemann’s vocals sound more throaty. This is most prominent in “Spring”, a foreboding, slowly chugging track that has become one of my favorites.

Other highlights include “Mann gegen Mann”, a track that according to bassist Oliver Riedel showcases and confronts German attitudes towards homosexuality; “Zerstören”, which has a few great riffs and raw, somewhat punk-inspired drumming; and the gloomy “Wo bist Du”. In the department of “unexpected and creative” we find “Te Quiero Puta!”, which besides Spanish lyrics also features a mariachi band, and “Stirb nicht vor mir”, a duet with Sharleen Spiteri, the vocalist of Scottish band Texas.

So, in conclusion, I think Rosenrot is a very good album, and I don’t think anyone who has enjoyed the bands previous releases will be disappointed by it. Except perhaps fans in the U.S. who seem to have to rely on import availability for now, unless the lack of a U.S. release date is a mistake.

Rosenrot album info (includes player with samples)
amazon.co.uk: Rosenrot | Rosenrot [+DVD]
amazon.com: Rosenrot [import] | Rosenrot [+DVD][import]