Hanzel und Gretyl- Born to be Heiled

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 June 2013 20:34 Written by Pagan Hel

Artist: Hanzel und Gretyl

CD title: Born to be Heiled

Label: Metropolis

Genre: Industrial, Metal

Released: November 30th, 2012

In the bands own words:

“Hanzel und Gretyl formed in early 1993. In 1994, they completed a demo entitled "Kindermusik". Of the 200 cassette tapes manufactured, most were sent to record labels and magazines and some were sold on consignment at a local music store called Bleeker Bob's. After refusing an offer from at least one major label to resubmit their demo with only English lyrics, they signed with Energy Records, an indie record label based in New York City, in January 1995. They recorded and released their first full-length album, Ausgeflippt, in October 1995. With lyrics in five different languages and no two songs sounding alike, the album made a clear statement as deviating from the often predictable and monochromatic themes of many electro and industrial bands of the time. The single "Shine 2001" topped the Alternative Press dance chart at No. 1 shortly after its release. Performing only several local shows on Manhattan's lower east side, they immediately embarked on two U.S. tours with Marilyn Manson. The first in 1995 with Clutch as direct support and again in 1996 as direct support for Manson themselves. In 2011 HANZEL UND GRETYL continued to tour and write new music for the next UBER CD!! Prost!”

Track By Track Review:

Since first hearing SS Deathstar Supergalaktic I have been totally in awe of Hansel und Gretyl. So I am truly honoured as indeed inspired to review this album in its entirety.

Hansel und Gretyl are not German as their name suggests but American with an insatiable appetite for all things German, but any Hansel und Gretyl fanatic will tell you that! I found German through loving the Scorpions and studied eight hours a day, took exams and went to live in Germany, and at one point I couldn’t speak English with the bombardment of German constantly being fed to the aural and visionary cortex – sadly a lot of the lingo has left me now, but listening to Hansel und Gretyl it makes me want to get my books out and practise again – Mehr sauer als Kraut! Ubung macht den Meister! I still have it! And so do Hansel und Gretyl – in large amounts!

Hansel und Gretyl fur immer

In true Hansel und Gretyl style the track kicks off with some demanding rhythms and fierce prowess. Their monochrome style vocal embeds itself into the head and incites venom. The powerful force that be literally swirls frantically to an overwhelming embrace of pure industrial stamina.

Unterstutzung

Lots of solid bass hooks and a scathing guitar begins the process, and vocally grisly – all twisting itself around a very compelling swathe of complex danceable rhythms that savagely take control amid a torturous impacting beat.

Blitzkriegerz und Hellriderz

On ya bike! Or should I say on zee bike? With emphasis on the ‘O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n’. Vocally gouging as only Hansel und Gretyl know how, in chanting form, the building tempting melodies accumulate into one monumental track.

Hammerzeit

With aggressive thumping and huge vocal ‘Hey’ another creation comes to life. This I feel will be another anthemic hit for the band as its abrasiveness hits and catchy chorus lingers, well after the track finishes.

Der Furor

With one almighty scream that is mutated amid a terrific overwhelming and impacting hit of rhythm and tongue in cheek raging and taking the piss out of one said German guy who shall remain nameless – this track is bound to be a favourite amongst fans. It is a chance to go extremely mental whilst listening to one of the most unique bands ever! Cough, Cough! Loving this track immensely!

Born to be Heiled

The bounce of rhythms are gnarly and urgent and will no doubt drive an overwhelming edge of thought to the cleverly written lyrics!! “Boots to the floor, Hands up in the air, Get up! Stomp baby! Cause we just don't care! Been on the road for a million miles! Hail baby yeah! We were born to be heiled!” As well as getting your daily dose of German lingo this track is the essence of muscle bound relentless attack!

Holy Shiza

A peppering of ambiance begins and is then overwhelmed with a hard edge grazing of rhythmic guitar, whilst the vocal attack is aggressive and malevolent and weaves itself around harsh beats of impacting thick textures of sound. There is nothing limp about this track, it literally climbs to a chilling level of passionate and heavy potency.

Motorschwein

Translated – Motor Pig! Its deep and profound rhythm will literally suck you into their gigantic pit of embracing energy, snorting with vile acidic corrosion it also houses some euphoric guitar moments that are not unlike psychedelic, but anything can happen with Hansel und Gretyl - und in der regel nicht!

I’m moving to Deutchland

Now there is an idea! Having lived there for a brief spell and found it a fascinating place that may be one to think about for the future! This track is a unique diversity from the previous tracks and goes for a good solid southern rock beat, with shrill and intense raptorial keyboard and impacting guitar riffs, that hosts some awesome train samples - Totally insane and powerful track!

Ironstar Outlaws

:D Another diverse and cleverly crafted track that begins with some cheeky banjo which is replaced by a thunderous dynamic rhythm and shrill rampaging guitar riffs. Vocally grazing and powerful with devilish intent it shows a superb contrasting union as the banjo keeps showing its presence intermittently and gives a cheeky glimpse into how unusually quirky Hansel und Gretyl really are.

More German than German

Stunted and mutated rhythmic drum beats with more German/English lyrics coming together to forge a highly impacting track with clever use of samples. It is one conglomerate of superb and outstanding majestic passion. The torrent of thick heavy beats keep coming at you with regular intensity and bombard the senses. Loving the line more Ramm than Stein – so clever! This has to be one of the most intense tracks I have heard from Hansel und Gretyl who are indeed more German than German! Brilliant!

To Sum up:

This album shows a great deal of diversity and definitely more Weiner than Schnitzel! I simply adore the clever way they use German words as well as English to some varying impacting samples, huge arrays of compelling guitar riffs and humungous beats that nobody else does in quite the same way as Hansel und Gretyl and no doubt ever will.

This is one stunning piece of work and will definitely be an instant hit amongst fans everywhere. Does this review make me look German? Hmm I wonder! Mehr Deutsch als Deutsch, Hansel und Gretyl fur immer!

10/10

Take a Listen to: Hanzel und Gretyl Fur Immer