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Monday, 12 March 2007 |
Schweisser were a huge German Metal band of the mid 90's. In a career that spaned over 10 years they had released 5 albums, varying their style with each release. Starting out in punk and progressing to metal to rock to pop-rock. They were one of the f irst metal bands that sang in their native language to make an impact. With such powerhouse albums as Eisenkopf and Willkommen im Club, Schweisser were the top of their game. After releasing Bitte Warten in 2001 the band decided to call it quits.
In December 2005 it was announced that Tommi Böck the original singer was to reform the name Schweisser with two new friends and bring out an album.
Pororoca is the result.
One thing never to do with Schweisser is expect the same as before. Pororoca is no different, although it does return Schweisser to the rock scene, almost bordering on punk-rock.
If I had to compare this to previous work for all you Schweisser fans out there then I would call it the missing link between 'auf der Autobahn zur Hölle' and 'Eisenkopf' as it shows shades of each.
Tommi had huge expectations to live up to and I believe he has done the job very well. The opening track is always crucial and Gelbkarierte Sakkos does the job very well. The lyrics blatantly take a dig at those 'Yellow Checkered Jacket' record executives "Zu dumm bis zwei zu zählen"(too dumb to count to two), Tommi is not holding back.
The album itself is well ordered, every song just seems to be where it should be right to the brilliant finishing track 'Tage mit Wir', and what a song this is. It's the longest Schweisser song in history and it really is a wonderful song. It's a long moody song running along similar lines as some previous work. It starts of slowly then picks up midway through and pretty much has the classic Schweisser sound, I even recognised a riff from 'Napalm'
There is a nice technique used in the album of linking two songs together, these being 'Zu Kurz'(Too short) and 'Zu Lang'(Too long).
And yes the questions many people have been asking, Tommi brings back his gruff rock voice. no more soft pop-rock voice, this is hard, fast Tommi at his very best. Just listen to the song 'Verlegt und verloren'. Another thing different this time around is that he also plays the guitar. He did write a few of the earlier Schweisser songs so he is no new-comer to writing them.
He really has a few things to say about what's happened in the past, laying a few questions to rest.
Many fans would agree it was sad to see the band end after 'Bitte Warten'. While this is only one member this time around the question hanging over everyone's head is: was it worthwhile? In my opinion the answer is yes it is. There were just too many things to be laid to rest. Has the new band lived up to expectations this time round, my answer again is yes. It's hard and fast rock with many previous elements included while still taking a step in a new direction.
All up I would say this is a definate must have for all Schweisser fans and even new fans wishing to check out the band. Schweisser has always been a rollercoaster ride, which just makes it all the more fun. While a short album it definately leaves a catchy tune in your head. And I look forward to hearing more music from these three further down the track
Score:
Hompage: Schweisser.org
Reviewer: Nick Wright
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