March 28, 2006 - Math is the universal language, not German. While everyone understands basic math, not everyone understands basic German. Thus begins the problems with German metal band Rammstein's latest offering, Rosenrot. In order for foreign language music to work, the music must be compelling enough for listeners to forget that they have little to no idea what you are saying. Rammstein broke the barrier several years back by doing just that; however, the same is not true for their most recent album.
The principle problem with Rosenrot is that the vocals too often consist of what sounds like spoken-word, in German. There is a definite evil tone behind the lyrics, however with no understanding of the language it might as well be the German version of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". The band alternates repetitive metal power chords and atmospheric tones for a mind-numbing blend of metal and electronic music. The songs sound too similar to one another and the repetition of the guitar work is too boring to entice. The evil tone of the vocals against the dark metal music provides a gothic tone to the album.
Most songs seem unsure as to their direction, alternating between metal and electronic, never becoming a cohesive song. The formula for the songs is simple; light orchestral arrangements play lightly against the menacing vocals until the chorus starts, when metal chords repetitively bang away. The only instance where the band delivers a solid song that may deserve notice is "Zerstoren". While the lyrics are unclear, the band delivers gothic metal without any doubt. It serves as the only song on the album that knows what it is, and stays the course throughout the wild five-minute ride.
The band does deliver two songs in languages other than German. "Strib Nicht Vor Mir (Don't Die Before I Do)" features an English and German duet with Sherleen Spiteri of Texas. Completely out of place on the album, the acoustic song about a man she loves killing a woman in her dreams sounds as though it should be on an adult-contemporary radio. For those who have spent their life seeking out a dirty Spanish-German sex track, your search is over. "Te Quiero Puta!" is more laughable than good, but is not easy to ignore. A strange mix of metal and Spanish horns, the Spanish-language track provides the only insight into the album's Parental Advisory sticker.
Rosenrot never takes off and provides the musical punch necessary to forgive the language barrier. As a result, the album is not recommended to anyone who does not understand German. Even then, the music may prove too dull to care.
Definitely Download:
1. "Zerstoren"
| out of 10 |
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| 5.2 | OVERALL | |
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