There’s a power to RAMMSTEIN that one finds irresistible, yet hard to explain. On the Global stage, they’re one of the undisputed leaders of metallic sound delivery, while in the U.S. they rank as one of the few crossover artists to sing predominantly in a foreign tongue, yet maintain the audiences needed to sell-out arenas in a matter of minutes. It’s easy for a band like METALLICA to sell out venues across Europe while singing in English, but the hospitality toward equally exotic sonic imports here in the ‘States is a hard commodity to find. Unless, you’re RAMMSTEIN.
Released this week, MADE IN GERMANY 1995-2011 is a welcome overview of the band’s 16-years-and-counting as a fixture in the heavy music scene and it’s industrial offshoots. Available as a single disc, double-disc, or Super Deluxe box set, MADE IN GERMANY collects the most essential hits in it’s single-disc form while expanding into remix territory on the 2-disc edition. The Super Deluxe edition is for only the most extreme RAMMSTEIN fan, collecting all of the above alongside a 240-page booklet, all of the band’s videos to date, and extensive making-of-features – in a steel box.
The 2-Disc Edition (in digital form) made it’s way to my office a couple weeks ago and has been in constant rotation ever since. While the remixes intrigue and puzzle, it’s the 16 tracks on the first disc (including the stellar new single Mein Land) that truly win – sequenced chronologically allowing one to experience the evolution of the band from past ’till present. RAMMSTEIN becomes heavier as time goes on, something best captured in their explosive live performances – all a specticle of pyrotechnic mastery.
As the band preps a return to the States for a U.S. Tour in 2012, MADE IN GERMANY 1995-2011 is the perfect appetizer for new ears, and a great refresher for the old ones. As for their “irresistible power”, they might just tap into my German roots. After all, Zahn is German for “tooth.”
Made in Germany 1995-2011 Remixes track list (available only with the Special and Super Deluxe editions)