What makes Bastard by Stahlmann notable?

Bastard debuted at number 12 on the German Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for Stahlmann. The album also received positive reviews for its production quality and thematic depth, confirming the band's growing influence in the dark rock genre. Released on June 16, 2017, Bastard is Stahlmann's fourth studio album, emerging after their commercial breakthrough with the album, Atem. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, expanding their sound while retaining their aggressive lyrical themes.

Bastard works well if you're into steady energetic flow throughout, aggressive sound for workout sessions and dark themes for intense moods.

How many songs are on Bastard?

Bastard has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Bastard

Stahlmann · 2017

40 min · 11 tracks · Neue Deutsche Härte

A visceral blend of heavy guitar riffs and industrial beats, underscored by commanding German vocals that challenge the status quo.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Leitwolf — This opening track sets the tone with a powerful combination of driving rhythms and darkly poetic lyrics, encapsulating the album's core themes of rebellion and identity.
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Bastard — The title track masterfully blends aggressive instrumentals with biting lyrics that critique societal norms, making it a standout anthem for individualism.
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Supernova — This closing track features anthemic choruses paired with introspective verses, showcasing the band's ability to balance aggression with emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Bastard combines heavy riffs with industrial sounds, creating a distinct yet cohesive experience within its genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and driving industrial beats, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the album.
Vocals are predominantly delivered in a commanding style, often layered with effects that enhance their intensity and presence.
Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as synths and samples, which create a contrast against the heavy instrumentation.
The album's thematic content explores darker subjects, with lyrics that challenge societal norms and personal struggles.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energetic flow throughout
aggressive sound for workout sessions
dark themes for intense moods
engaging in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer soft, mellow sounds
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on June 16, 2017, Bastard is Stahlmann's fourth studio album, emerging after their commercial breakthrough with the album, Atem. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, expanding their sound while retaining their aggressive lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Rammstein· Oomph!· Eisbrecher