Rammstein — Rosenrot

German industrial-metal powerhouse Rammstein have been delivering solid albums long since their North American hit "Du Hast," but metal fans this side of the Atlantic have never given them much attention. Rosenrot won't be the album to break them into the mainstream here, though it still holds its own against their previous work.

The album is decidedly less aggressive, with the band going for more atmospheric touches and slower grooves than full-on heaviness, and this works to varying degrees. The piano-tinged ballad "Don't Die Before I Do" is genuinely moving, yet harder songs such as the sluggish title track never take off. While it won't make fans of their detractors, Rosenrot is another enjoyable release from this underrated band.