So, my friends! The cult band Betontod from Rheinberg is back, and harder than ever before! Even metal fans will get their money's worth here. Antirockstars delivers exactly what the name promises at first glance. This is not for the faint of heart, no. Betontod has released their best album to date. There are plenty of parts to shout along to, to sing along with, to think about, to laugh at, and even to cry over. The guys know exactly what they're talking about, and they make the listener feel it. For some, there might even be a good piece of advice for life here and there.
The cover is a real eye-catcher. A tattooed beauty sits in a hotel room, legs spread, all dolled up, with the famous F... look. Now that's extremely inviting. Maybe a hot chick will jump out of the player when I put the CD in? We'll see!
Well, you know how it goes with introductions and all that. But let's get started with putting the CD in. And hit play!
Gloria – It begins with a classic fanfare. A musically expressed triumph through the scene. Just as quickly as the intro ends, it goes straight to the familiar upbeat riffs of the cult band. The lyrics describe the band's journey with a few targeted words that will definitely give a Betontod fan a thrill. A great start!
"Harder than ever before, we invade your ear!"
Gasolin – This is punk rock of the new era! In the verse, there are precisely punctuated rhythmic elements that force you to nod your head. The chorus is truly anthemic and perfect for shouting along.
"...this fire inside me burns like gasoline!"
I can definitely underline that. One of the best songs on Antirockstars.
Nebel – Starts with a metal-like guitar riff and a sing-along melody. The verse is kept clean this time, and the vocals are also a bit cleaner than usual. The flow of speech and the meter of the lyrics are at a very high level. A text that should resonate with many of us. It’s about failed relationships or friendships. It hits hard! From the second verse, there’s a guest appearance by DSDS contestant Yvonne Rüller, who impresses with her powerful voice. However, I wonder if Betontod would have preferred to skip that. Personally, I like it, but some might like it less.
Auf eine gute Zeit – The beginning is in the best Manowar style, but immediately shifts to the beloved Betontod riff and a sing-along guitar melody. The lyrics talk about friendships that come and go, just like romances. And it’s especially for those who always stand by you. Just like the band, I now drink to all my long-time friends!
"To a good time!"
Keine Popsongs – Starts with full throttle and a sing-along part of the finest quality! Betontod also released this track with a music video. This song is dedicated to the notorious pop industry. There’s nothing more to add. The message is clear and straightforward.
Wenn der Sturm beginnt – The highlight of Antirockstars! It starts with a guitar riff in the best metal style. It’s explosive, it burns like fire! The verse becomes a bit quieter. The lyrics once again get under your skin, especially in the chorus, which is again perfect for singing along. In the middle, there’s a really awesome guitar solo. Nothing new, but that’s completely unimportant! This is simply the best song on the album!
Steh auf! – Bam! Here we go full throttle! The riffs are open and create a wonderful wall of sound like a wall. The lyrics are pure motivation, especially in the chorus.
"I never want to see you on the ground again!"
The interlude comes with a very nice guitar melody that’s perfect for singing along. A real blockbuster!
König Alkohol – An absolute party song! Here, singer Oliver "the Master" describes his relationship with alcohol as "an enemy from old days, but we’ve made peace." The chorus is a tribute to a well-known anthem that fits perfectly with the theme. No throat will remain dry here, and everyone will shout along until they drop.
Mit Vollgas durch die Hölle – It begins with a riff that could remind me of certain songs by Iron Maiden. Very good work, great harmony. The lyrics likely deal with the last years of the band. The song just goes full throttle and, as the title suggests, gives absolute full gas!
Blut – And it continues full throttle! The song starts again with a guitar melody that immediately invites you to sing along and sticks in your ear. This text also deals with times when you have to be steadfast, no matter how hard it may be. But what happened shaped us and will remain in memory forever. It also reflects on how empty some arguments are that you keep having over time.
Nie vergessen – The second highlight of this album for me. A text that once again gets under your skin. Everyone can relate to it. The first verse is ballad-like, but the chorus goes really steeply forward, just like the rest of the song. Great!
Am Ende – A thank-you song to all the Betontod fans from the very beginning! Again, a melody to sing along to. It’s simply wonderful; it could go on like this forever! The rest of the song also continues to go steeply forward, adorned with a text that couldn’t be more fitting. Here, a part of the band’s history is being told, which has become quite remarkable after 20 years. Respect!
20 Jahre – Fittingly, the title of the last song. The ballad of the album. Singer "Meister" tells a story from his life that many Betontod fans can identify with. Fantastic!
"And we have experienced so much, we have seen so much! 20 years! And we are proud that you exist!"
Here, a clear distance from any form of extremism is taken. And I join that sentiment. No matter what kind of extremism one pursues, it is simply wrong.
So that was Antirockstars. A punk rock masterpiece, you can see how developed each member of the band is. In my eyes, Betontod has the potential to make it to the top without listening to or relying on the mainstream. Even die-hard metal fans will discover a song or two that appeals to them.
Rating: 2
So, my friends! I hope I did justice to the band and the fans. Every Betontod listener who hasn’t heard this album yet should rush to the nearest record store and buy this CD! It’s worth it!
