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Hanzel und Gretyl
Oktotenfest 2006

Metropolis Records

Posted: Friday, December 01, 2006
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor

As a preview of their impending third album on Metropolis, and their fifth overall, Hanzel und Gretyl offer up these four tracks, full of their signature blend of industrial-strength electronics and ultra heavy metal guitars. Listening to Oktotenfest 2006, it would be easy to accuse the band of recycling their past formulas to such a degree that these songs could have been featured on any of their past output. Comparisons to Ministry and Rammstein run abound in their music, but that's nothing new either. So, what exactly does Oktotenfest 2006 offer? Just listen to "Prost!," the introductory track, on which samples from a crowded rally amidst marching drums and faux-orchestral swells give way to squeals of distorted vocals. An explosion ensues, leading us into "Stern Kreig." With its wobbly synth bass line segueing us into a slaughter of crushing guitar chugs and guttural German shouts, it becomes apparent that HuG have upped the ante yet again, hitting even harder than before, as if it were possible. The next track, "Fukken Uber Death Party" is another quintessential HuG that lives up to its name; starting with some creepy ambience and a computerized voice, and then kicking into one hell of a danceable track with more orchestral samples and a screaming guitar solo, this track will most assuredly get rivetheads stomping on the dance floor and metalheads banging their heads in the mosh pit. "Zum Wohl!" is an eerie spoken-word closer with some interesting synth effects in the background. Its cryptic lyrics almost act as a warning of the chaos the new album is sure to bring. At 12 minutes long, Oktotenfest 2006 is painfully brief, but serves its purpose as a teaser release. The heavier emphasis on synths recalls much of their earlier work, yet still continues to push for a harder and louder sound. While it offers few surprises, it does solidify Hanzel und Gretyl's place as one hard-hitting group that will never shy from crossing the line between industrial and metal.