Gritty rock 'n' roll attitude meets country, jazz and swing sounds - A review of Hämatom's Berlin (Ein akustischer Tanz auf dem Vulkan)

German Neue Deutsche Härte quartet Hämatom has often managed to surprise and reinvent itself throughout its career. Eighth studio album Berlin (Ein akustischer Tanz auf dem Vulkan) is one such example. The band performs ten dynamic acoustic songs inspired by swing, jazz and country music that recall the dynamic twenties.

The opening ''Tanz auf dem Vulkan'' is danceable right from the start and mixes folk with swing elements. The raw lead vocals however add some dynamic grip which distinguishes this type of acoustic album from so many others that sound toothless and uninspired. 

''Berlin'' is a melancholy country ballad that exposes the good and bad sides of the German capital. Lyrically, the song recalls Rammstein's ''Moskau'' while the music is obviously inspired by Dolly Parton's ''Jolene''.

''Zwischen Gangstern und Ganoven'' has a soft side with smooth acoustic guitars and an epic chorus. The lyrics are quite interesting as well as the narrator wonders how his partner could relie on a shady gangster like him.

''Ein Herz und eine Kehle'' offers a danceable mixture of jazz and swing music that is mostly instrumental. Especially the trumpet manages to shine in this dynamic tune.

The dynamic, melodic and uplifting ''Die Welt ist high'' is a party anthem with appropriate lyrics that recalls the music of Frank Sinatra. This song would fit splendidly on the soundtrack of a television series like German neo-noir success Babylon Berlin.

Despite a short length of only thirty-two minutes, every single second on Hämatom's Berlin (Ein akustischer Tanz auf dem Vulkan) is catchy, dynamic, entertaining, inspired and melodic. The final result combines the gritty attitude of rock 'n' roll with the playful soundscapes of country, folk, jazz and swing. This album sounds absolutely unique and is a surprising early highlight of the year. Anyone who likes to think outside the box and appreciates more genres than just rock and metal should give this gem a chance.

Final rating: 95%