Hey there!

Rammstein, a band beloved even by those with no connection to rock or metal, has released their new album “Zeit.” Discussing new works from such a widely popular band can be quite challenging due to the diverse expectations and opinions of millions of fans. Personally, I found “Zeit” to be a satisfying album. It’s refreshing to see the band trying something different with this album, especially after a series of classic Rammstein albums where the songs felt very similar to each other. “Zeit” is a deeply emotional work, likely influenced by the COVID-19 lockdown period and possibly by the band’s advancing age. Alongside their unchanged militant style, the album delves into themes of life’s fragility, life and death, and the challenging concept of time, as suggested by its title. Musically, the album features pop-metal influences and auto-tune.

The opening track, “Armee der Tristen,” quickly became a favorite that I keep replaying. While Rammstein has never shied away from conveying sadness, this song delivers a different kind of melancholy compared to their older works. With synths that give off a post-punk vibe and a simple yet impactful riff, the track’s structure sometimes hits hard emotionally. Despite its dynamic nature, with no major drops or calm sections, it feels like an anthem. Even without understanding the lyrics, it feels like the song is conveying something significant. And indeed, the lyrics of “Armee der Tristen” reflect this melancholy and seriousness.

The second track, “Zeit,” confronts us with the concept of time. Built with piano and church-like backing vocals that Rammstein frequently uses, the song openly discusses death. As the sound builds, it transforms into an emotional rock piece. “Schwarz,” the following track, features similar elements. The gentle backing vocals heard during the rise create a contrast that makes both tracks more cohesive. Listening to the title track made me realize that this album deserves attention to its lyrics as well.

“Giftig” and “Zick Zack” bring a dynamic shift, presenting more of the familiar Rammstein sound. These tracks became some of the most listened to from the album. “Giftig” sometimes sounds like a breakbeat track, especially at the beginning where I was unsure of what to expect. It also features a brief auto-tune segment (expanded upon in “Lügen”) and a few Middle Eastern influences. Overall, it’s energetic and enjoyable. “Zick Zack,” in my opinion, reaches its peak with its keyboard touches and chorus.

In the middle of the album, “OK” stands out as a more Lindemann-style track. While it feels a bit too lively for this album, it exudes incredible energy. I imagine it would be perfect for jumping around and singing along at concerts. It’s a track I hearted on the first listen due to its breakdown. “OK” has received mixed reviews, but I think it’s worth giving a chance regardless.

“Meine Tränen” is a ballad reminiscent of older Rammstein tracks like “Puppe” and “Mutter.” The lyrics are heavy, depicting a mother-son relationship and the psychological abuse inflicted by the mother with lines like “Men only cry when their mothers die. Never show that you cry, you should be ashamed.”

“Angst,” with its striking lyrics and music video, became a standout track. The song sparked controversy for allegedly having a racist approach, though that’s not my focus. Musically, the bass lines in the verses are outstanding, and Lindemann’s rebellious shouts of “AAANGST!!” make the song very compelling. Many people seem to enjoy this track.

After the cheerful “Dicke Titten,” which derives its joy partly from the lyrics and partly from the brass instruments, the auto-tune-infused “Lügen” takes the stage. Addressing lies, “Lügen” evokes memories of a past relationship like a scene from a movie, making it very open to imagination. I consider “Lügen” an experimental track with a well-done use of auto-tune.

As the title suggests, “Adieu” closes the album, thematically fitting as one of the tracks. Addressing the inevitable ‘death’ brought by ‘time,’ “Adieu” has made people wonder if “Zeit” is a farewell album for Rammstein. Is this the band’s way of saying goodbye, or is it merely a thematic farewell? Only time will tell until an official explanation is provided. But if it is indeed a farewell, enjoy it while it lasts.

Despite the varied expectations of their massive fanbase, “Zeit” is an experimental, innovative, and emotional album that showcases what Rammstein has wanted to try for a long time. The only potential drawback is the lack of an anthem-like track. However, I don’t think these songs will be forgotten. For those who haven’t listened yet, I recommend “Armee der Tristen” and “Angst.” Happy listening!

Asuna Pehlivan