STOMPER 98.
A band, a scene icon, a myth.
Since their founding in 1998, the band has been somewhat controversial. Many stories surround STOMPER 98. Over time, stories become myths and myths often turn into fairy tales. What has happened or not happened is known only to those involved and the band members themselves.
The fact is, STOMPER 98 is a polarizing and indeed controversial band. This starts with connections to (allegedly) right-wing circles (from the past) (which shall not be the topic here, but only attempt to explain the band's status), continues with their lyrics in the Oi-Streetpunk sound, and ends with their audience. The whole package is not for everyone. And that's a good thing. If subcultural music is recognized by the masses, then it is no longer a subculture. Without trying to further explain the band, which I probably wouldn't succeed in anyway, I aim to paint a picture with this review that can hopefully be assessed neutrally.
STOMPER 98 named their album for the 25th anniversary not just anything, but named it after the band.
STOMPER 98 are STOMPER 98! That is exactly what is heard on the album from the very first second. Thematically, it is about life. 25 years of life.
Solidarity and their own outsider status are celebrated and upheld, and of course, beer and Oi, Oi, Oi cannot be missing.
25 years is a long time. All the experience of this time flowed into the music and into the lyrics of the 13 songs.
To be heard, please loud, there is top-notch Oi-Streetpunk. With tempo also featuring excursions into fast punk rock, such as in “Wir halten die Fahnen weiter hoch“, “Der Stachel im Arsch“ or “Erkennst du dich wieder“. These songs have massive pressure and already make you want to pogo while listening. Solid edge with aggressive vocals and a high sing-along factor.
When listening to the record, it becomes apparent that the band stylistically also indulges in German-speaking punk rock.
In “Außenseiter“, I hear similarities to OHL (...I don't need a uniform and I don't need anyone to lead me. I can think independently. I don't need anyone to direct me...), in “Wir halten die Fahnen weiter hoch“, I hear, especially in the chorus, similarities to Dritte Wahl, in “Deutschland im Chaos“, I think of the old stuff from Die Toten Hosen (especially the B-sides), and in “Auf die Stimmen einer Generation“, countless punk bands with similar lyrics come to mind.
For that, “25 Jahre“ is a really classic STOMPER 98 song...but do I also hear a bit of Toxpack in there?
So there are plenty of thoughts and similarities to other bands. Anyone who listens to the record will find some for themselves. And yet, STOMPER 98 have their very own sound, which is melodic and accessible. Fans will like the album more than I am convinced, and those who do not yet know the band will find enough points of reference to identify with the songs and the lyrics.
STOMPER 98 manage to strike a balance on this album between classic street sound and melodies. That is quite fun.
Since 2005, Tommi Toxpack has also been part of STOMPER 98, and since 2018, Lars Fredriksen (Yes, exactly THAT one!) certainly does not detract from the band's popularity.
Conclusion:
STOMPER 98 are STOMPER 98.
If that doesn't suit you, you can get lost.
That's how they were, that's how they are, and that's how they will always be.
