Stomper 98 - Althergebracht

Contra Records / Pirates Press Records

 

2018 marks the 20 year anniversary of one of Germany’s longest running Oi! outfits – Stomper 98! To celebrate this milestone, the stomping harmonists headed back into the studio to record “Althergebracht” – the band’s first full-length in nearly six years(!), and the result is simply amazing!

 

Delivering their best work to date, the German – American connection (now featuring Lars Frederiksen of Rancid and The Old Firm Casuals in its ranks as well) stomp out thirteen all new anthems in that yet typical, saxophone-fueled Rock ‘n’ Oi! sound Stomper 98 is best known for. Yet the band sounds stronger than ever before, producing a mix of perfect melodies, vengeful vocals, powerful back-ups, tight as hell rhythms, excellent shifts in pace and of course, the aforementioned saxophone, that – sometimes subtle, while other times in the spotlight – always brings that extra dimension to Stomper's sound, which I fuckin' love!

 

It's tough to pick favorites from "Althergebracht", because aside of the acoustic melancholy of "Freiheit", the album is a full-blown attack of one hard-hitter after another! Opener "Skinhead" instantly sets the tone with its stomping beat, while its successor - "Wir Folgen Den Rufen" - is a strong, melodic assault I just want to hear over and over again... And that are just the first two songs! Because right after that the vocal harmonies, the saxophone melodies, those pounding drums and that killer solo in "Keine Helden" are making sure that is my next favorite track on "Altergebracht", only to... I think you get the point, Stomper 98 produced hit after hit on this slab of wax!

 

Now I received both a copy from Contra Records and Pirates Press Records of this LP, but while both American and European pressings come in a gatefold sleeve, Pirates Press' version looks fuckin' mint with its embossed cover artwork, high gloss laminated inner sleeve and ultra-clear vinyl with black smoke and red splatter... damn! But with that being said, Contra Records' version comes in four different color (variations) of vinyl, making sure everyone is satisfied! Because no matter what version you choose, this is a must for Stomper 98 fans worldwide!