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Rammestein

Made in Germany

1995 - 2011

Vagrant/USA

Origin - Berlin Germany

http:/madeingermany.rammstein.de/

Now curious to say, "Made In Germany" as part of the title, was this an addition to the title produced by another household name for 80s children, German artist Nena?  We are not talking "99 Luftballons", but we are speaking in terms of an iconic image of German genius and passion to deliver driving music.

Rammstein burst onto the electronic and rock/metal scene in 1995 never to look back.  Here we are in 2011 and a definitive collection is released for all the world to enjoy.  As the listener you will experience heartbreak, tension, explosive emotion and exhiliration that only Rammstein can record (period)!

This collection of tracks is a monumental sound like that of the Titanic in terms of its dimensions and audio-izes them into a tour de force.  We have subtle tracks of innocence and lost love, and we have tracks an angst and fury as can only be produced by Rammstein.  The imagery amongst all the tracks is a snapshot of this multi-faceted six man group:

    * Till Lindemann – lead vocals

    * Richard Z. Kruspe – lead guitar, backing vocals

    * Paul H. Landers – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

    * Oliver "Ollie" Riedel – bass guitar

    * Christoph "Doom" Schneider – drums, percussion

    * Christian "Flake" Lorenz – keyboards, samples

Depending on the package you select you either have a single or two disc set.  The two disc set is an extended set that includes remixes done by famous or infamous artists, depending on your perspective.  And most importantly, it includes one previously unreleased track "New Track" Mein Land. (Which track rocks by the way.)

For fans of Rammstein I think the only wish we have left for Rammstein is a collection of:

-Feuer Frei

-Unreleased cover tracks by Rammstein

-unreleased pre-production demo tracks

-unreleased crazy jam sessions/improvisations

-wav files for fans to remix their own versions of at least one or two lesser known tracks as Zwitter, Laichzeit, Moskau.

The favored tracks from disc one, the best of collection are as follows: Engel, Links 2 3 4, Kenie Lust, Mein Teil, du Hast, Du Riechst So Gut, Ich Will, Mein Herz Brennt, Mutter, Rosenrot, Haifisch, Amerika, Sonne, Ohne Dich, Mein Land.

Who would have known that THE RAMMSTEIN could improve on those original recordings, but they did.  And the sound of the music is beyond the typical CD sound.  "Houston the Eagle Has Landed!"  Typically remasters either are a second chance to resell old material or repackage old material with a polished extra or two.  In the case of "Made in Germany 1995 - 2011" we have a superior product.  Fine German engineering in the Re|\/|astering table.  The difference in sound from original masters to this newer product is a significant improvement.  Should you be a student of audio subtleties you will be in for your fair share of new found sounds.  If you are a fan of Rammstein in general, you will find a clearer and stronger signal as the wavs travel from disc through your sound system of choice.

For those of you who want more Rammstein as remixed by other artists - disc two will meet your expectations.  Many famous names but among our favorites - the heavy MESHUGGAH remix of Benzin, Ohne Dich by Laibach, Links 2 3 4 by Westbam, and a beboppy big bandish brand of Du Hast by Jacob Hellner.  

Overall Made In Germany 1995-2011 is a solid integral description of Rammstein's greatest recordings.  Although you cannot capture the full deliverance of Rammstein in just 16 tracks, you will be pleased nonetheless to purchase your own copy and tell, (not burn to share) with your friends.  In retrospect after my first listen, this is what we have.  Imagine subsequent listens.  Arguably one of the best attributes of Rammstein as a whole is to be different every record yet consistent with their continuity of heavy elecro metal soundscapes tinged with melancholic distributions for good measure.

Now that we have your attention, let me take you on a little trip... close your eyes, imagine a world of untapped Rammstein...Paul and Richard torquing out and bending tremolos beyond their design, Ollie searing through a bass solo a la Cliff Burton, Flake sampling with physical media, Till recording a somber duo with Andrea Boccelli and Doom mounting minicams inside the drum bodies of his kit as he is playing live with video broadcast for the full groundshaking effect, eh?  Yes some of us dream a little much yet then again, isn't that how we got Rammstein?