'ROSENROT' - RAMMSTEIN

There is something about Rammstein's music that is immediately likeable. Almost infectious, and certainly unforgettable. Although not as fiery and explosive as their previous albums, 'Rosenrot' is no different. From open to close the trademark chugging of guitar and drums rolls overhead like a battalion of tanks, while Flake's keyboard swoops and swirls eerily, luring the listener ever closer. Till Lindemann, switching from grandfatherly master story-teller to pit-of-the-stomach bellowing baritone with no effort at all, tempts us with lyrics that most of us will never understand. And that is the beauty of Rammstein! It doesn't matter that we don't understand the words because it just adds to the magic and mystery of it all, and above all else it sounds fucking awesome!

After a break of several years, 'Rosenrot' is Rammstein's second studio album within the space of a year. By their own admission it is composed at least partially of leftover tracks from their last release 'Reise Reise'. But if you're expecting crappy off-cuts and last-minute hashes that have been thrown together to milk their recent reappearance, you'd be shamefully mistaken. 'Rosenrot' is a complete and powerful album in it's own right. The opener 'Benzin' oozes potency and will likely to go down as a classic. The title-track probably won't be far behind. Surprisingly, even 'Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don't Die Before Me)', sung as a duet with Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri - the very idea of which sounds ludicrous - works beautifully......despite the fact that it sounds suspiciously like a re-write of Tristania's 'Shadowman.' This will be a stonker if they play it live!

The oddball of the album, 'Te Quiero Puta', sung in Spanish and accompanied with a ridiculous Spanish guitars, is the only disappointment. But even here, there is a feeling that they're just pissing about with us.

There have been stonger Rammstein albums, and this may not have the oomph that is by now expected from them, but this is yet another quality record from a great band. And let's face it, anyone who can sing about petrol and make it exciting has GOT to be worth a few quid!

4/5