Given the fact that their previous album was ten years in the making and their elaborate live shows take a lot of time to set up properly, rumors that the untitled Rammstein album from 2019 would be their last studio release were quite persistent. But then a pandemic hit the world and the band suddenly had all the time in the world to write and record a new album. And while it is not quite as good as its predecessor, which might just be my favorite Rammstein album to date, it is another quality album full of blunt riffs, deceptively sophisticated arrangements and dark humor.

‘Zeit’ is notably more direct than its predecessor. Where that album blew me away with its sonic depth and interesting songwriting twists, ‘Zeit’ sees Rammstein focusing on the elements that made them big in the first place. That means there are plenty of simple, but brutally effective riffs, sometimes enhanced by interesting use of synthesizers and electronics, Christoph Schneider’s drums are loud and thunderous, while Till Lindemann’s clever lyrics are delivered with conviction and drama. ‘Zeit’ is an album that will not bring in new fans, but might actually bring a handful of fans of the band’s earliest work back.

One of the songs that brought that idea to mind is the second single ‘Zick Zack’, which due to its riff-based nature and the overal guitar sound is reminiscent of older tracks like ‘Asche Zu Asche’ and ‘Zwitter’. ‘Giftig’ has a similar, though slightly more melodic approach. On the other hand, there are surprisingly sincere power ballads like ‘Meine Tränen’ and the title track, the latter of which contemplates aging in a touching manner. One highlight is ‘Angst’, on which a cool rhythm is the foundation for a song that explores the rise of racism by way of a children’s rhyme. The doomy chorus of ‘Angst’ might be my single favorite moment on ‘Zeit’.

While understanding lyrics is not necessary to enjoy a band’s music, I have always thought that doing so makes Rammstein’s songs even better. ‘Zeit’ appears to want to decimate the idea that Germans have no sense of humor. No album before has had so many overtly funny songs. ‘OK’ features an almost church-like reverence in a chorus honoring not using a condom – weirdly appropriate given the church’s stance on contraception – while ‘Dicke Titten’ is Lindemann’s ode to women with large breasts, made all the more funny by the fanfare-like melody over the heavy chorus riff. ‘Zick Zack’, meanwhile, humorously explores the exploits of cosmetic surgery.

The least flattering thing I can say about ‘Zeit’ is that it is just another Rammstein album. It did not overwhelm me like ‘Rammstein’ and ‘Reise, Reise’ did, yet it proves that the sextet is capable of putting together a perfectly good album in far less than a decade. While none of the songs impressed me as much as the likes of ‘Radio’, ‘Deutschland’ and ‘Puppe’, the more direct nature of the record means the songs might work better live. The performances are fantastic without exception. Fans of the band can pick ‘Zeit’ up blindly – and probably already have.

Recommended tracks: ‘Angst’, ‘OK’, ‘Zeit’, ‘Giftig’