One thing Rudy Ratzinger is really brilliant in: the packaging of his albums, even if that goes for the limited versions only! So he again did a great job with his ninth masterpiece entitled Body Census. The limited luxus edition comes as a digi-pack, peppered with lots of great graphics suiting the lyrical content on the digi and in the xl-booklet, with sticker and a download code. All wrapped in a great combination of colors, it’s really a great feast for the eyes.
Musically speaking :WUMPSCUT: do not fall any short. The bar got pushed upwards. What was supposed to be sort of calculation on the predecessor Cannibal Anthem :WUMPSCUT: continues with consequently on Body Census: endtime electro at its best, harsh and dark, apocalyptic, remembering the good old days when Rudy got off the grid. Just the third song I Believe, I Believe I cannot stand! It sounds like a terrible Scooter adaptation, pure Atari abuse. Stupidly this song is so much obtrusive that you cannot get it out of your head. It is the first one you might whistle after having listend to this record. From a commecial aspect… the perfect single I would say.
So much better all the other tracks on Body Census are. Rudy Ratzinger perfectly manage to combine and twist different sound and styles, building up tensions and moods that make this record to a great listening experience.
Already opening The Beast Sleeps Within You is a crushing track, musically as well as lyrically. Harsh and brutal the beats hit you. Following Remember One Thing softens the harsh entry a little bit with a melancholic-draped but dancable melody. Also Ain’t That Hungry Yet captivates with a mesmerizing melody, underlaid by subtle choirs. :WUMPSCUT: create a roller coaster of moods and feelings while listening to Body Census. Beats get harsher, heavier, humor gets black with You Are A Goth and My Dear Ghoul, while Hide And Seek is almost chilling and Homo Gotikus Industrialis disturbing. Adonai, My Lord surprises with oriental tunes before Body Census closes with The Fall and the beautiful voice of Onca.
Darkness ahead! Great album!