DAS ICH LAVA GLUT ALBUM MASSACRE, CENTURY MEDIA RELEASE: JUNE 28, 2004 REVIEW: JULY 27, 2004

Ever the productive duo, Das Ich return two years after "Antichrist" with an even more melodic, bombast-driven work. Where "Antichrist" veered off into the realms of pop music, there are only hints of it on the "Lava Glut" album. Stefan Ackermann sounds right at home furiously enunciating his words to Bruno Kramm's impossibly perfect musical backing. This is a pair who compliment each other as seamlessly as Horn and Veljanov.
Dissonance plays a larger role on this release. There are several moments where you begin to think that the songs are going to sink into nothing but noise and then, these beautiful classical interludes jump out at you. Speaking of classical sound, Das Ich have added a lot more to "Lava Glut" than they have previously used. This is not to say that they have made a low-key album. Tracks like "Fieber" gallop along, smashing dancefloor vertabrae and crushing everything beneath. "Sehnsucht" is an excellent example of the fine-tuned ability that Das Ich can conjure. It is nuanced with some truly powerful intent.
There is another edition of "Lava Glut" called "Lava Asche" with danceable versions which screams along quite madly. Thoroughly engaging although I would have preferred to have Terminal Choice and Wumpscut not do any remixes.
For the truly devoted, the limited edition of "Lava Asche" comes with a bonus DVD called "Lava Addendum" with live footage with a quite hilarious tourbook of their last tour of the United States. A riveting live presence, Das Ich are by turns both menacing and almost human at times. Their concert work does not disappoint.
After 15 years, Das Ich have chosen to release a definitive new album rather than a quick cash-out best of. Stellar work, Bruno and Stefan. Here's to another 15.

PETER MARKS