The difference, by ear
Neue Deutsche Härte is the German wing: slower, more theatrical, with sung German vocals and a marching four-four that is far more melodic than the American records.
Neue Deutsche Härte is sung cleanly where industrial metal is part sung, part screamed, at much the same pace, around 100 to 140 bpm. To hear the difference, play Ministry next to Rammstein. Neue Deutsche Härte grew out of industrial metal, six years later. Germany appears in the origins of both.
In figures
Industrial metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Industrial metal
In short
Metal riffs over programmed drums, samples and synths. Mechanical by design.
How it sounds
- Programmed or heavily processed drums with samples of mechanical sounds.
- Repetitive, staccato riffing, with the guitar treated as a rhythmic element.
- Distorted vocals, declaimed or shouted through effects.
Key acts
- Ministry
- Fear Factory
- Rammstein
- Godflesh
Start here
The pickGodflesh - Streetcleaner. It sounds like an industrial city collapsing, which is the subject.
Full page →Neue Deutsche Härte
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Industrial metal › Neue Deutsche Härte
In short
The German version: simple heavy riffs, danceable synths, declaimed German vocals and a great deal of pyrotechnics.
How it sounds
- A simple, heavy riff played in unison with the synthesizer.
- Mid, danceable tempos with four-to-the-floor drumming.
- Declaimed German vocals, with the rolled R as a trademark.
Key acts
- Rammstein
- Oomph!
- Eisbrecher
Start here
The pickRammstein - Mutter. Flawless production and their best set of songs.
Full page →