In 1982, the label Rock-O-Rama Records released the groundbreaking punk sampler “Die Deutschen Kommen”. This record quickly established itself as a milestone in the German punk movement.
The album featured up-and-coming punk bands from the early 80s who epitomised an entire generation with their unbridled energy and rebellious attitude. Today, “Die Deutschen Kommen” is regarded as an authentic snapshot of the punk era in Germany at the time. The record impressively captures the lifestyle and emotional world of the punk culture of the time, which is why the sampler is regarded as a historical document of an entire punk generation.
The origins of Rock-O-Rama Records
Rock-O-Rama Records was founded in 1977 in Brühl near Cologne. Initially, the independent label focussed on re-releasing classic rock’n’roll albums under the label name “Big H”. At the beginning of the 80s, Rock-O-Rama began signing bands from the burgeoning punk scene. The label thus provided an important stage for a music genre that was still underestimated at the time.
The bands on “Die Deutschen Kommen”
Fasaga
The Cologne punk band Fasaga were characterised by a raw and original sound. Their obscure lyrics reflected the urge to go off the beaten track, which is why they were regarded as pioneers of “fun punk”. Hits such as “Pogo in der Straßenbahn” and “Ich hab kein Gehirn mehr” were exemplary of their provocative but humorous lyrics. With their quirky vocals and straightforward punk riffs, Fasaga captured the carefree energy of the punk movement in a nutshell. At the same time, they criticised society with their lyrics and gave young people a voice. This is why they are still regarded as the true fathers of German fun punk.
Der Fluch
OHL frontman Deutscher W’s side project Der Fluch (The Curse) presented a darker version of punk. The morbid songs quickly achieved cult status in the punk scene of the time. While OHL stood for hardcore punk, Der Fluch took a much darker path. Dark lyrics about death and decay were accompanied by minimalist, menacing riffs. This gave the songs an ominous, almost ritualistic atmosphere. Although the band only released one LP and one EP in the 80s, they became a cult figure in the early 80s punk underground scene. Their raw, apocalyptic performance fascinated many listeners and critics alike.
Cotzbrocken
had an aggressive and raw sound, as their unfiltered lyrics embodied the angry spirit of punk. As a result, they represented an uncompromising part of the movement. With dirty guitar riffs and a voice like a nail file on sheet metal, Cotzbrocken got to the heart of the pure rage of punk. Their lyrics spared neither themselves nor society. Because they relentlessly denounced grievances and didn’t mince their words. It was precisely this unconditionality and authenticity that made Cotzbrocken a permanent fixture on the Cologne punk scene. Although their music was rough and unpolished, it spoke to many from the soul. That is why they are still regarded as the figurehead of uncompromising German punk rock today.
OHL
Oberste Heeresleitung (OHL) were known for their political stance against extreme ideologies. Their contribution to the sampler “Die Deutschen kommen” reflected this attitude and showed punk as resistance against the establishment. With their rough vocals and direct riffs, OHL got to the heart of the rebellious energy of punk. At the same time, their lyrics represented a clear anti-establishment stance, as they firmly rejected any extremist tendencies.
This became particularly clear on “Die Deutschen kommen”. The sampler also contained contributions against communist regimes, against which OHL clearly positioned themselves with their punk attitude. As a result, their music became a mouthpiece for freedom, equality and democracy. To this day, OHL are regarded as important representatives of politically enlightened German punk rock that clearly rejects hatred and intolerance.
Stosstrupp
from Leverkusen stood for uncompromising and hard punk. The band brought a cold and cutting sound colour to the German punk scene and thus expanded its musical diversity. With icy guitar riffs and a voice like sandpaper on steel, Stosstrupp created a unique sound. In doing so, they dispensed with any sentimentality or melody, instead focussing entirely on pure aggression.
This cold, no-frills style was an extension of popular punk rock at the time. In contrast to the often catchy melodies, Stosstrupp favoured a minimalist, almost industrial aesthetic. In doing so, they created a new facet of German punk. To this day, Stosstrupp are considered pioneers of uncompromising, hard punk rock. Their music is a prime example of how punk can be played radically and without concessions.
Contemporary historical document of a youth movement
“Die Deutschen kommen” is more than just a collection of punk songs. It is a contemporary historical document that captures the anger and hope of an entire era. The legendary sampler shows a scene in upheaval and hits the nerve of a youthful protest movement.
More than 40 years after its first release, “Die Deutschen kommen” remains important for the history of German punk. Although the record was released so long ago, it continues to inspire new listeners because its messages and sounds have lost none of their relevance and power. In 2020, the groundbreaking punk sampler was reissued by Rock-O-Rama Records.