Moderne Zeiten cover

Released 20 years ago

Moderne Zeiten

Unheilig · 2006

69 min · 16 tracks · electronic music

A melodic fusion of gothic rock and electronic elements that captures both melancholy and anthemic power.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ich will alles — This track stands out for its infectious chorus that embodies the album's themes of desire and ambition. Its catchy hooks helped cement it as one of Unheilig's signature songs.
  • →
    Helden — With its powerful anthemic quality, 'Helden' serves as a rallying cry that resonates with listeners seeking empowerment through music. Its emotional delivery showcases the band's ability to blend introspection with broader themes.
  • →
    Sonnenaufgang — The song captures a moment of reflection and renewal, utilizing lush instrumentation to create a feeling of hope. It represents the album's balancing act between darker motifs and uplifting melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic and gothic rock elements effectively but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features driving beats and layered synths, while the second half shifts to more melodic and atmospheric arrangements.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral backing vocals that enhance the anthemic quality without overshadowing the lead melodies.
  • The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with only minor fluctuations that create a sense of urgency in the earlier tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • wave-like emotional peaks
  • nostalgic yet futuristic themes
  • dynamic journey with contrasts
  • reflective moments of longing
  • anthemic choruses for celebration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • skip lengthy explorative pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 20, 2006, 'Moderne Zeiten' marked Unheilig's third studio album, following their breakthrough with 'Fleischgeist' in 2004. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, blending dark lyrical themes with accessible melodies.
Stylistic neighbors
Eisbrecher· Oomph!· Megaherz

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Luftschiff

    The narrative shifts from personal longing to a broader commentary on aspirations and dreams, using imagery of flight as a metaphor.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Das Uhrwerk 1:11
  • 2 Luftschiff 6:05
  • 3 Ich will alles 3:49
  • 4 Goldene Zeiten 4:18
  • 5 Helden 4:22
  • 6 Astronaut 4:19
  • 7 Phönix 3:37
  • 8 Lass uns Liebe machen 4:14
  • 9 Horizont 5:16
  • 10 Sonnenaufgang 4:14
  • 11 Gelobtes Land 4:44
  • 12 Menschenherz 4:52
  • 13 Sonnentag 3:03
  • 14 Tag für Sieger 5:25
  • 15 Mein Stern 5:27
  • 16 Moderne Zeiten 4:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata