They've done it again.
After TERRORGRUPPE released one of the best live albums ever, "Blechdose," in 2002, the "Super-Blechdose" is now hitting the stores after 15 years.
The "Blechdose" was monumental at the time. A big word and worth every letter.
The "Blechdose" is a great live album. The band managed to transfer the energy from the stage to the home sound system with many pre-recorded samples and only very careful editing of the live songs.
The "Blechdose" showcased what TERRORGRUPPE was. A provocative, polarizing German-speaking punk band. A band that was absolutely fantastic on stage. Whether it was the energy or the announcements. A concert by the band from Berlin-Kreuzberg was always more than just a party. It was a fucking blast!
And now?
After disbanding, reuniting, releasing a new album, and new sounds on stage, the question arises: Can the "Blechdose" be topped?
And does it really need to be?
Since TERRORGRUPPE was and still is a magnificent live band, one doesn't need to ask the second question, but the first question is all the more relevant.
The band has packed a total of 37 songs onto the "Superblechdose." It has become two CDs or two vinyl records. It is once again a Blechdose, at least in the limited edition of 3333 copies. This time, the vinyl is not in a tin but in a box. It is probably now virtually impossible to get tin cans in the form of a film canister, which were the packaging for the vinyl version of the "Blechdose."
The 37 songs were recorded at eight concerts. This way, the band could select the best versions.
The first song starts with the same sample as the "Blechdose." So there is a recognizable element on one side.
On the other hand, is it lack of creativity?
The announcements by the band, especially from MC Motherfucker and Johnny Bottrop, were more innovative and entertaining in the past. Somehow, the two no longer manage to capture the enthusiasm and energy of the announcements from back then on this album.
Johnny Bottrop searches for the person who built the loft apartments at the site of the old rehearsal room with an announcement. MC Motherfucker claims he is the best. Then he notices that the audience is looking at him with many question marks on their faces. Where could that be coming from?
There are hardly any political statements.
Social criticism was also more and more radical in the past.
Has TERRORGRUPPE become more lenient with age?
The cover version of "Hurra, die Welt geht unter" by K.I.Z. is colorless, like so much on this work.
Of course, it is still great to listen to the band live.
Of course, the songs still have energy.
However, compared to the "Blechdose," the "Superblechdose" is not very super.
You might accuse me of dwelling too much in the past, but on the other hand, the band must also be measured by their works.
Somehow, time has moved on, and TERRORGRUPPE has not kept up.
While the album "Tiergarten" did not spark any enthusiasm, this album will not cause any collective breakdown either.
As a showcase of their work, especially in connection with the "Blechdose," this work does have relevance.
As a long-time companion of TERRORGRUPPE, my judgment is very mixed.
The band lives off its old reputation.
But how much longer?
