Megaherz have been going strong for several decades and have meandered through alternative styles before finding a firm footing in NDH. This Neue Deutsche Härte is a distinctly German mix of Hard Rock, Metal, and Industrial made famous by bands as Oomph and Rammstein. It has been a couple of years in the making, but the band is back with a new studio album, Komet (Nuclear Blast).

This album sees the band taking both a more internal and external emotional stand, exploring with issues of the heart as well as criticising xenophobia and intolerance. ‘Horrorclown’ quotes Trump’s “We need to build a wall” in its scathing view of fears of otherness. ‘Von Oben’ on the other hand is a sensitive ballad full of emotions of loss and mourning, dealing with the death of a loved one and the bonds of love. However, the non-statement songs are no less powerful, as witnessed by ‘Scherben Brengen Glück’, a love song that has a high sing-along quality due to its catchy chorus.

Musically the album explores the full reach of NDH, from an uptempo electronic style in ‘Heldengrab’ to the more straightforward industrial rock of ‘Trau Dich’. Megaherz even manages to channel a Billy Idol vibe with closing number ‘Nicht Genug’, which despite the obvious differences is oddly reminiscent of Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell’. The vocals are rough but melodious enough, and the instrumentation is very strong. The synergy of distorted guitar and synths – a true staple of the genre – is as strong as one could hope for, while the drums and bass both provide the required staccato beat without becoming boring.

While the propensity for NDH and other German Metal bands to engage in socio-political criticism would itself make for an interesting cultural study, Megaherz, like many others, have clearly embraced the power of their position and denounce the culture of fear-mongering and xenophobia. But above all, Megaherz have made an energetic and fun album that merits a listen for its powerful sound and palpable emotion.

7.5/10

LORRAINE LYSEN