If you are not already familiar with the Düsseldorf rockers Broilers, then buckle in! Part of the fun of listening to the band is that they have been around for quite a while. To date, they have released eight studio albums and it is easy to hear how they have developed, grown, and – dare I say it – matured over an impressive 30 years.
But Broilers are are kicking the trend in a world where punk bands tend to release ultra-short records and, sometimes, self-destruct after only a single album. They are following on a path blazed by the likes of other German rockers like Die Toten Hosen.
This month, let’s headbang and scream along with Broilers to learn German with music!
Get to Know Broilers
In 1992, barely in their teens, singer and guitar player Sammy Amara and drummer Andreas Brügge decided to form a punk rock band. A couple of years later, that band became Broilers. Guitar player Pascal Goßen and bass player Ines Maybaum joined the pair.
In the late 1990s, Goßen left the group and was replaced by Michael Menke. A few years later, Menke departed. In the early 2000s, the band added guitar player Ron Hübner and keyboardist Chris Kubczak.
The Music of Broilers
With their first few records, the band flew under the radar, as far as the charts are concerned. Their 1997 debut Fackeln im Sturm… is an easygoing introduction with group singalongs and driving punk rock. Tracks like “Düsseldorf” pay tribute to their hometown pride while the rhythmic oi punk of “Kelly Fammelly” takes opinionated aim at the Irish family group.
On 2001’s Verlierer sehen anders aus, the band pick up where they left off: Amara’s gruff vocals juxtaposed against driving guitar riffs that frequently surprise with a bright melodic hook. The album picks up momentum as it goes, with “König des Viertels” an engaging and brighter, bouncier track.
By LoFi in 2004, Broilers were starting to get enough notice to place on album charts. Still true to their punk, rock, and ska roots, the album is driving and rhythmic. Moments like “Eine Nation” take a stand on politics, or rather a preference to live in ignorance to the world around us.
On 2007’s Vanitas Recordings, the band seems somehow more approachable and accessible to those who may not own a denim vest covered in tattered patches of their favorite bands. Amara’s making different choices with his vocals. His energy remains high, as does the entire band. But instead of a deep gruffness, there is more nuance. The album’s second half takes a decidedly poppy route with catchy melodies (“Punkrock Love Song”) and uplifting organ (“Heute schon gelebt”).
Santa Muerte from 2011 is the band’s first album to not only break into the top ten album charts in Germany but to reach the top three. The album is energetic but by this point, they are more than a “mere” punk rock band. They are open to trying new things but there are still guitar solos and enough ska-influenced horns to show they will not betray their roots.
The band’s next three albums – 2014’s Noir, 2017’s (sic!), and 2021’s Puro Amor – all hit the very top of the charts.
Looking for another Ohrwurm to help you learn German? Check out previously featured musicians and bands!
Photo by Robert Eikelpoth, courtesy of Kingstar Music. This post contains affiliate links.