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“A conforming rock band with bagpipes!”
“The roots have been betrayed, there’s nothing left of InEx!”
Whether it’s reviews, dialogues, or simply the infamous “casual overhearing” of the quality class “I heard that…”: Everywhere the new “Kunstraub” by In Extremo is discussed, a fundamental mood seems to be emerging that can be aptly described as “negative” in my opinion. Yes, “Kunstraub” really manages to create rifts within the fan culture that seem almost insurmountable.
I belong to those who quite enjoy listening to this band, but I am not as deeply entrenched in fan culture as those who have followed the band for years. For this reason, I will attempt to paint a relatively objective picture, far removed from expected disappointments or joyfully euphoric praises.
First, however, I would like to note: Many of the points of contention are justified and rightly addressed. But in my opinion, too much emphasis is placed on this aspect.
Yes, In Extremo has changed and no longer possesses the wildness and certain “fire” that one can hear on their new record. Songs of the quality of tracks like “Vollmond,” “Küss mich,” or “Erdbeermund” are nowhere to be found. Accordingly, one is quickly led to think that a significant change is imminent, one that upends beloved habits and brings forth something new that pales in comparison to the old. For example, the music is drifting further away from medieval rock. Specifically, this means: fewer “medieval” instruments and a turn towards the mainstream, the tame and ingratiating adaptation of their music to the masses. The use of other languages has also been skillfully omitted, so the album is entirely in German. There is a “Digipack version” (that’s what it’s called, I believe) with additional songs that could be non-German, but what I think of “bonus tracks for the bigger wallet” should be well known. Therefore, I will only refer to the 12 songs that I have in front of me.
That’s enough about the negatives, but there is still one thing, namely…
…that the album certainly has its good sides!
These sides can be particularly observed through some individual songs. Although the overall work hovers slightly above the criterion of “mediocrity,” a few individual songs ensure that it is received much better than some critics would like.
I want to start with my favorite, namely “Gaukler,” which, in my opinion, exhibits quite strong qualities of older pieces. I would even classify it as emotionally intense on the level of songs like “Alte Liebe.” The vocals convey the mood very well, and the instruments perfectly accentuate the transitions or the most emotionally dense moments of this song. A very strong piece, in my opinion one of their best songs.
Another standout is “Feuertaufe,” which, after a few drum beats, immediately transforms into a captivating flow of moods and sounds. To stick with the example: While the song becomes a bit more leisurely in the verses and trickles along, it gradually becomes more restless until it transitions skillfully into a dance-inducing chorus and becomes a true rapid current. Incredibly atmospheric and still very much “In Extremo.”
Less significant, but still very worth listening to are songs like the (in the chorus) very powerful “Wege ohne Namen,” “Der die Sonne schlafen schickt,” or “Kunstraub,” even if the points of contention described above are already emerging here. The songs are good nonetheless and play – at least for me – more than once on the turntable.
In conclusion, I can say that “Kunstraub” will probably not contribute to the reconciliation of the fan fronts. It doesn’t have to, as the problems are ultimately created by the fans themselves.
There are some very nice tracks that justify the purchase of this CD, even if some strange songs like “Lebemann” or “Alles schon gesehen” reinforce the actual impression of tameness and restraint.
“Kunstraub” may fall short of the older albums in many respects, but it can gather enough sympathy points with some top tracks to be slightly above average and thus should not fall into oblivion.
In Extremo will continue to pursue their musical path; and that is damn good. There are more shocking and disturbing band developments throughout music history. With 6 points, I think they are still doing quite well.
