Since their inception, Oomph! has gone from a sub-standard EBM project to a full-on metal/electro hybrid.  With the release of their latest effort, Unrein, Oomph! display a powerful blend of crunchy guitars, computerized beats, and dense vocals.  Unsere Rettung is a meaty track that blends atmospheric electronic elements together with gravelly vocals and harsh guitar riffs.  I'll be the first to admit that these types of tracks do take some getting used to, but after several listens, they sure do grow on you.  Oomph!'s vocals are especially compelling and equally as powerful.  Throughout this track there are several places where the main vocals are harmonized with the backing vocals, which really brings out the force and energy of the track.  Die Maske is a more laid back electro/rock piece, that reaches the verge of aggressiveness during the chorus, but never quite turns into an all out thrash-fest.  One of the highlights of Unrein is My Hell, an English sung track that changes style more times than most of the other pieces.  My Hell vaults between electro / hip-hop, metal / industrial, and straight-edged EBM.  Parts of this track were built for dancing (maybe stomping is a better word), yet other parts are far too mellow and smooth to be considered dance floor material.  With Gekreuzigt Oomph! go for a more accessible electronic rock piece with cascading guitars, angry vocals, and more standardized beat programming.  Before really kicking it into high gear, we get Zero Endorphine; a darkwave styled instrumental with light beats and airy sequences.  Willst Du Mein Leben Entern? is an addictive piece that builds into a strong chorus comprised of speedy guitar riffs, chant delivered vocals, and brisk beats.  While this piece isn't the fastest or roughest one on Unrein, it is still equally as sturdy.  A wonderful mixture of modern electronics and metal guitars can be found on the English sung (Why I'll Never Be) Clean Again.  Aside from the amalgamation of instruments and music styles, this track also features especially strong vocals that really show off the control that Dero has over his voice.  Surprisingly enough, the title track is one of the softest on the CD.  Unrein focuses mostly on the vocals, but it does pick up towards the end, adding in the rough guitar sounds amongst the melodious sequences and rapid beats.  Anniversary is another more straightforward track with cascading guitar riffs, dominant vocals, and mid-paced beats.  I was quite surprised with the sound and style of Foil.  This track is a combination of synth-pop and rock-opera.  Never getting too belligerent,  Foil maintains a mellow pace with airy sequences and light vocals.  Another Disease was the only piece that I found somewhat disappointing. In places, this piece sounds a bit too much like the Stone Temple Pilots acquired a keyboard...it's just a bit too radio-friendly for my liking.  Overall, Unrein is an intense album that's full of vigor and dynamism.  Pick this one up if you like you electronic music hard and fast, but with a few surprises thrown in.
             
VIRGIN SCHALLPLATTEN GMBH
Germany
    
Oomph! is:
Crap / Nero /Flux
Contact Oomph! @
Fax: 0049(0)3886 2234
Oomph! homepage:
http://www.OOmph.de