RAMMSTEIN LIEBE IST FÜR ALLE DA ALBUM UNIVERSAL RELEASE: OCTOBER 16, 2009 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 13, 2009

After rumours of tension within the band, almost leading to a split, I was relieved when a new Rammstein album was announced. However, I was likewise disappointed when the first single "Pussy" arrived - a really boring and derivative song with an extremely speculative video, featuring the band as porn actors having sex on camera. Probably with "stunt dicks", but still it just screamed "look at us" in a very sad way.

Luckily the rest of the album is much better, with some heavy hitting songs. The sound is still pretty much true to the Rammstein formula, maybe a bit trashier and dirtier. Blast beats and lead-heavy guitar riffs of course, blended with Till Lindeman's sometimes brutal, sometimes sweet voice - and this time we can hear him sing in French as well. Electronics still play second fiddle to the guitars, but they are there at times.

Rammstein's sense for melodies still helps them stand out from other riff bands. "Ich tu dir weh" is where it all comes together, with grinding riffs complement the beautiful chorus.

I think Rammstein still are relevant, and they continue to make some fantastic compositions from time to time. Their crazy sex shenanigans is unfortunately something you have to put up with.

JOHAN CARLSSON