Rammstein

MUTTER

(Republic/Universal)

In the aftermath of their '98 smash "Du Hast," German new-metal favorites Rammstein came under fire for their alleged popularity with both the Columbine killers and young fascists in their homeland. A little controversy never hurt a rising metal band, but the group proclaimed their innocence throughout and adamantly denounced both parties. On "Links 2 3 4," the first single from their third disc, they take things one step farther by pledging allegiance to the left ("links") over their signature militaristic beat. As on their breakthrough, Sehnsucht ("Yearning"), the six-piece band follow in Ministry's footsteps by favoring live drums and Wall-sized guitars over synthesized industrial beats. Frontman Till Lindemann still sings in his native tongue, spitting out consonants with a cartoonish melodrama that also carries over to the music. On the opening "Mein Herz brennt" ("My Heart Burns"), the group augment their Wagnerian stomp with a full orchestra and still come closer to the Puff Daddy cover of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" than to the original. Their bombast is more refined on the title track, which borrows its mournful lead-guitar hook from vintage Metallica. Even for an industrial band, Rammstein are one-dimensional, but that's not to say they don't have their cold, dry moves down pat.

-- Sean Richardsonk