Emigrate
Emigrate

November 2007
Released: 2007, Pias Recording/Border Music
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

Richard Z. Kruspe is normally handling the guitar in Rammstein, but this is his side project called Emigrate who recently released their debut album. When Kruspe was putting together the band he wanted only the best musicians around, so he recruited drummer Johansson from Clawfinger, Moser on programming and Giraux on bass. Emigrate sounds like a lighter Rammstein, which is a little strange if you think about it. Why start a project that sounds just like your full-time band?

The biggest difference between the bands is that Kruspe sings in English instead of German. Kruspe does just fine on lead vocals; he’s a great singer and guitarist and he is backed up by experienced and skilled musicians. The song “My World” from the album is one of the featured songs in the new movie Resident Evil: Extinction. I can understand why the movie makers chose a song by Emigrate; the music fits the movie’s dark elements perfectly.

All of the material is really solid, but my personal favorites are “Emigrate”, “My World”, “Let Me Break In My Tears” and “New York City”. Even though the entire album feels solid, I think the first part of the album is the best. There Kruspe delivers more of the dark rock with lighter industrial influences. The production is perfectly done by Kruspe and Jacob Hellner. Everything sounds immaculate and every element matches perfectly. The album is mixed by the familiar Rammstein family member Stefan Glaumann. EMIGRATE is a really strong debut album definitely worth checking out.