Emigrate came to life with its first album back in 2007. This was 2 years before forming member, Richard Z. Kruspe, and his “other” band released “Liebe ist für alle da”. Now, we are in 2018, and Richard will unleash “A Million Degrees”, on November 30th, under the Emigrate banner; and what a fantastic effort from the Rammstein guitarist, composer, and the vocalist of this fine band that we are discussing.

The first track I’d like to talk about is called “Let’s Go”, and it features Rammstein main man, Till Lindeman. This is special for a couple reasons, as I’ll let Richard explain, “We’ve been friends since 1987 and this is the first time we’ve worked together outside of Rammstein,” confirms Kruspe. “You know, I’ve had that number for quite a while, and it’s about our history and our friendship, which I can sum up like this: I believe I’m the reason he started a career in music, and he’s the reason I’ve witnessed the dark side of life! In two words: beautiful destruction! The song itself is quite different to the world of Rammstein, though, which I think is a good thing…” The combination of these two vocalists is absolutely incredible; Tills legendary deep voice, the German lyrics, everything about this track is just excellent! This reminds me of a Rammstein song that just never made it onto an album, and for that I am very glad. The music is very catchy, subdued yet indescribably wonderful; there really isn’t enough good I can say about it, it’s that good.

“War” is the opening track here, and has an Egyptian feel to the intro section, which I really love! The verses are heavily synthed, with a cool bass and drum part underneath; once the guitars come in more the verse really comes to life. This the track that Serj was going to work on, but, once again, I’ll let Richard explain, ““I really like the energy, and the heavy, modern, Zeppelin kind of groove,” he reflects, “and at one point I was taking to Serj (Tankian) from System Of A Down about fronting the track. He was excited at the idea, and then a day later he called me and said that he thought the song was perfect for my voice, he didn’t really know what to add, so I left my vocals on there. I took that as a huge compliment.” There is a definite Led Zeppelin feel to this track, especially during the guitar solo, where it takes on an almost “Dazed and Confused” feel.

The title track opens up with some synth that is reminiscent of slower Rammstein, but also its own beast too. The guitar comes in when the vocals pick up, towards the end of the verse, and add a serious amount of groove to this track. I really dig the space that the chorus leaves open, it makes everything seem a bit more airy, and immense. Richard sounds absolutely phenomenal in his vocal execution, and this song is extremely catchy as well!! The melody during that chorus is just superb!!

“Spitfire” reminds me of something, but I cannot place it at the time of this writing, not in a bad way, but in a throwback to an older time. This is a fairly heavy song, while keeping the melodic elements that Emigrate is so damn good at. Richard is also very adept at using space to create a vibe during these songs, and this one is no exception. Very cool track, and just another notch in an already killer record.

Eyes Fade Away is the final track on the album, and is one of my favorites. Vocally excellent, musically diverse, with an immense chorus, this is a very strong number to close out this album. I can only assume that the idea of “leave them wanting more” was in the forefront of their mind when choosing a running order; if I am correct in my assumption, then I can say that their motives paid off very well, because I was bummed when the album was over.

A Million Degrees is one of the best albums I have heard this year, easily. If you have liked any of Emigrates other albums, then you will thoroughly enjoy this one too. It’s full of everything you’ve come to expect from the band, and with jumps in every element imaginable. This gets released on November 30th, and I urge you all to get yourselves a copy of it!! Enjoy!!!

Tom Hanno