Electric Callboy – TANZNEID: When Courage Meets Genius

There are bands that release a new album, only for it to fade into obscurity within a few weeks. And then there are bands whose every new record becomes a musical event. Electric Callboy undoubtedly belong to the latter group today. Over the past few years, the German six-piece have built a position most European bands can only dream of. Sold-out concert halls, millions of streams, music videos that circle the globe within hours, and a fan base that continues to grow year after year. Yet Electric Callboy have retained what matters most: their joy in music, the courage to experiment, and the ability to do things their own way without losing their identity.

Following the phenomenal success of TEKKNO, it was clear that expectations for its successor would be enormous. Every new single sparked passionate reactions, fans analysed every preview, and social media was flooded with speculation about where the band would go next. So when Electric Callboy announced the new album TANZNEID, it was obvious that this would be more than just another entry in their discography. It was meant to confirm that the success of recent years had not been a coincidence, but the beginning of a new era for one of the most distinctive bands on today's modern metal scene.

I have to admit that, as a long-time fan, I was probably looking forward to this record more than to any other new release this year. When my pre-order arrived and I placed the LP in the player for the first time, I had only one question: could Electric Callboy surprise us again when fans already knew most of the songs from the singles? The answer came almost immediately. Yes. And perhaps even more than I had expected.

The truth is that we already knew a large part of the album before its release. RATATATA, Hypercharged, Elevator Operator, The Way You Are, Still Waiting, Let The Good Times Roll, Revery and the title track TANZNEID had all gradually been introduced as singles. For many bands, that would mean the finished album had little left with which to surprise us. But Electric Callboy once again proved that an album is not merely a list of songs. It is a story.

And as a complete work, TANZNEID functions absolutely brilliantly.

From the very first minute, it is clear that the band know exactly what they want to offer the listener. Modern metalcore flows naturally into electronics, dance beats, pop melodies and crushing breakdowns. Yet none of it feels like experimentation for its own sake. Quite the opposite. Every sound, every transition and every change of tempo has its place, creating the band's distinctive signature, which can now be recognised within seconds.

The production deserves enormous praise. The album sounds massive, clean and incredibly alive. The guitars have exactly the right bite, the bass supports the rhythm section beautifully, the drums drive each track relentlessly forward, and the electronic elements never feel like flashy decoration. They are a fully fledged part of every song, and it is precisely because of them that TANZNEID has such an unmistakable character.

The pairing of Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach works just as brilliantly. Kevin's scream still carries tremendous power and energy, while Nico can move within seconds from delicate melodic lines to choruses that remain in your head long after the album has ended. Their chemistry is one of the main reasons why Electric Callboy sound so exceptional today. Neither tries to dominate. On the contrary, together they create one of the most distinctive vocal tandems on the modern metal scene.

And that is exactly why TANZNEID does not feel like just another routine release to me. It is not an album you play only once. It compels you to return, discover new details and remind yourself again why you fell in love with this band in the first place.

TANZNEID

The title-track opener immediately makes it clear that Electric Callboy have no intention of slowing down. Without a lengthy build-up, they unleash an avalanche of heavy riffs, electronic beats and energy that pulls you straight into the action. This is exactly what an album opener should sound like. It not only introduces the record's atmosphere, but also awakens the desire to hear track after track.

This is where the strength of the entire band is revealed in full. Heavy passages alternate with melodic choruses with complete ease, and not for a single moment does any section feel unnecessary. Everything fits together with surgical precision.

RATATATA (feat. BABYMETAL)

When Electric Callboy announced a collaboration with Japan's BABYMETAL, the internet practically exploded. At first glance, it may have seemed like a crazy idea: two bands from completely different musical worlds. But these are exactly the kinds of combinations Electric Callboy have always enjoyed. And the result? One of the most distinctive songs of their career.

RATATATA is pure musical chaos in the best possible sense. Electronic beats alternate with uncompromising breakdowns, Japanese melodies transform within seconds into a metalcore storm, and you can only marvel at how perfectly everything works together.

On the first listen, the track feels like one enormous party. After a few more plays, however, you begin to discover details you had not noticed before: brilliantly constructed transitions, precise drumming and perfectly written vocal lines. This is exactly what separates Electric Callboy from bands that rely solely on first impressions.

At concerts, RATATATA has already become one of the absolute highlights of the evening, and I am not surprised in the slightest. It is a song that will not allow you to stand still for even a single second.

Hypercharged

If any song perfectly captures the energy of Electric Callboy, it is Hypercharged.

From its opening notes, it resembles a runaway train with no brakes. The guitars cut with incredible precision, the drums pound like a perfectly tuned engine, and the electronic layers give the entire track a modern face. Yet it never feels overloaded for even a moment. Everything has its place.

The rhythm section in particular deserves great praise. It holds the whole song together and creates a solid foundation upon which the guitars and both vocalists can quite literally do whatever they want.

Kevin delivers one of his most aggressive performances on the entire record here. His scream has immense power and contrasts beautifully with Nico's clean vocals. That contrast is, after all, one of the main reasons why Electric Callboy sound so unique.

Let The Good Times Roll (feat. The Offspring)

After the previous dose of heaviness comes a song that reminds us that Electric Callboy have never been a band that take themselves too seriously. This time, however, their unrestrained energy is reinforced by a guest whose voice is familiar to several generations of rock and punk fans. On Let The Good Times Roll, they are joined by Dexter Holland of The Offspring, and his unmistakable delivery gives the track another dimension.

This combination does not feel like a randomly assembled collaboration between two famous names. The Offspring are among the bands that influenced Electric Callboy long before the German six-piece ever set out on their own journey. What comes together here, therefore, is not only two bands, but also two musical generations and two different worlds that, in reality, have a surprising amount in common.

The punk-rock lightness of The Offspring blends naturally with the modern electronicore of Electric Callboy. The result is an infectious mixture of melodic guitars, electronics, a prominent rhythm section and carefree energy that feels made for summer festivals, open roads and concert halls filled with singing fans.

The song's greatest strength lies in the chemistry between the individual voices. Dexter Holland's characteristic vocal brings a nostalgic flavour of 1990s punk rock, while Nico Sallach and Kevin Ratajczak keep the track firmly rooted in the contemporary world of Electric Callboy. Neither side has to adapt or step back. Each retains its own identity, and that is precisely why their connection works so naturally.

The chorus is instantly memorable, yet it never slips into cheap obviousness. Its simplicity is intentional. It does not need complicated structures or exaggerated tempo changes. A strong melody, the right dose of punk attitude and a message encouraging the listener to cast aside every worry for at least a few minutes and simply let the good times roll are more than enough.

The band nevertheless do not forget the heavier side of their work. Beneath the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere, thick guitars, massive drums and electronic layers continue to operate, giving the track the typical signature of Electric Callboy.

This time, however, the whole piece does not feel like an assault on the listener, but rather like a huge celebration of music, friendship and the joy of the present moment.

Let The Good Times Roll is exactly the kind of song that may not be the album's most complex entry, but is certainly one of its most immediate moments. It is loud, positive, slightly crazy and, above all, incredibly human. The connection between Electric Callboy and The Offspring also shows that genuine energy does not age. It can simply put on a more modern outfit, add electronics and a proper breakdown, and start the party all over again.

That is precisely why I believe Let The Good Times Roll will become one of those songs fans will continue singing at concerts for many years to come. Not only because of its catchy chorus, but also because it captures something that is far from guaranteed today: pure, unfiltered joy in music.

Elevator Operator

If anyone still claims that Electric Callboy are built only on internet jokes and extravagant music videos, Elevator Operator is the perfect answer. Yes, the band still know how to have fun, and humour remains an inseparable part of their identity. But beneath that crazy surface lies a perfectly written song.

From its opening seconds, it feels more relaxed than the preceding trio of songs, but it certainly loses none of its momentum. The groove is incredibly infectious, the rhythm section moves with absolute precision, and the electronic motifs complement the heavy guitars beautifully. It is in moments like these that you realise just how far Electric Callboy have progressed musically in recent years. In the past, a similar idea might have worked mainly as a joke. Today, they can turn it into a fully realised song.

Nico once again confirms that his voice is one of the band's greatest strengths. His clean vocals sound completely natural and give the song a lightness that Kevin immediately shatters with his scream. The contrast works perfectly and does not grow tiring even after several listens.

At a concert, I can imagine Elevator Operator as the moment when the entire crowd stops worrying about how they look and simply starts enjoying the show. That is exactly what Electric Callboy have always been about.

The Way You Are

After the wild ride comes a song that reveals the album's more sensitive side. The Way You Are is not built on shocking twists or a frantic tempo. Its strength lies in its atmosphere.

The lyrics touch on the theme of self-acceptance. At a time when the world often tries to dictate how people should look or who they should be, this song feels surprisingly sincere. Electric Callboy do not lecture anyone. Instead, they remind us that a person's greatest value lies in remaining true to themselves.

Musically, it may be one of the album's most melodic tracks. That does not mean the band have reduced the heaviness. The guitars still provide the song's solid framework, the drums have the right drive, and the electronic layers merely underline its atmosphere.

This is where Nico stands out most strongly in my opinion. His voice sounds calmer than on the previous songs, yet it conveys even greater emotion. Kevin, by contrast, appears at exactly the moments when the track needs additional force. Together, they create a beautiful balance. But if you make it all the way to the very end, Kevin unleashes his incredible scream, darkness, and the bitter aftertaste of blood!

The longer I listened to the album, the more often I returned to The Way You Are. It is not a song that overwhelms you within the first ten seconds. It is a track that grows with every further listen. And songs like that are often the very best.

Still Waiting (Sum 41)

When Still Waiting, one of the best-known songs by Canada's Sum 41, began to play, I was genuinely curious to hear how Electric Callboy would approach it. Transforming such a distinctive punk-rock anthem into their own style is no easy task. Their cover, however, certainly did not disappoint.

Electric Callboy preserved the energy, urgency and catchiness of the original while giving the song their own, far more powerful sound. Thicker guitars, hard-hitting drums and modern production add greater pressure and, at times, an almost metalcore intensity. Yet it never feels alien or forcibly reworked. On the contrary, it fits into the album's concept surprisingly naturally.

The original lyrics by Sum 41 deal with frustration, uncertainty and the feeling of endlessly waiting for a change that never comes. Their timelessness is precisely why the song has lost none of its power over the years. Electric Callboy do not alter its message, but their heavier treatment gives it fresh energy and even greater urgency.

Musically, I am most impressed by the work of the guitars and drums. The band do not try to overcomplicate the original unnecessarily or drown out its character. Instead, the individual instruments support the atmosphere and allow the familiar melody and the emotions upon which Still Waiting was built from the beginning to shine.

The result is not simply a copy of the original, but a tribute that respects Sum 41 while sounding unmistakably like Electric Callboy. After several listens, I also realised that this track functions as an imaginary bridge between the first part of the album and its conclusion. It prepares the listener for the following two new songs, which, in my opinion, represent the very heart of the record.

And while, after hearing the first eight songs, I had begun to think that Electric Callboy could no longer surprise me, Heartclub and The Savior very quickly proved me wrong. It is there that the album reveals its strongest side.

Heartclub

There are songs that seize you with their very first riff. And then there are songs that only get beneath your skin when you sit down, open the booklet and begin to absorb every word. That is exactly how Heartclub affected me.

I have to admit that I was curious to discover how Electric Callboy intended to surprise us after releasing so many singles. The answer arrived within the first few seconds.

Heavy guitars, an uncompromising tempo and exactly the kind of energy that immediately makes you turn the volume several levels higher. Yet after the very first verse, it becomes clear that this is not simply another concert banger.

Musically, Heartclub is a textbook example of why Electric Callboy currently face almost no competition within their style. Within seconds, the band can move from an uncompromising metalcore assault to a chorus that is melodic and emotional without losing any of its strength. That is their greatest magic. The heaviness is never gratuitous, and the melodies never feel cheap.

Nico's clean vocals give the song incredible depth and emotion. Kevin, on the other hand, steps in whenever the listener needs to be hit squarely in the chest once again. Neither of them tries to dominate. Together, they tell a single story.

And it is the lyrics that affected me most deeply about Heartclub.

This is not a simple song about love or relationships, as the title might suggest. Quite the opposite. It tells the story of someone searching for a place where they truly belong. It is about doubt, an inner struggle and the effort not to lose your own identity even when the surrounding world tries to determine who you should be.

It is a theme that may resonate today more than ever before. Social media tells us every day that we must be more perfect, more successful and happier than everyone else. Heartclub moves in exactly the opposite direction. It reminds us that a person's greatest strength lies precisely in remaining true to themselves.

It could be described as one of the heaviest songs on the album.

And that is precisely why this track affected me more than any of the previous singles. It is not built solely on a great chorus or a heavy breakdown. It has substance. It has emotion. And, above all, it has soul.

I would not be exaggerating if I said that, after several listens, Heartclub became one of my favourite songs Electric Callboy have ever written.

The Savior

If Heartclub is the heart of the album, then The Savior represents its pulse.

The very beginning immediately pinned me to the speakers. Within moments, the prominent guitar introduction transforms into exactly the kind of sound that is so characteristic of Electric Callboy. Dance-oriented electronic beats, striking synthesisers, heavy guitars and metalcore passages combine into a perfectly functioning whole.

It is a textbook example of why the music of Electric Callboy is so easily recognisable. Once again, the band connect seemingly incompatible worlds: disco energy, modern electronics, catchy melodies and the heaviness of metalcore. It is within this electronicore fusion that they feel completely at home.

Every riff has its place in the song, the individual transitions feel fluid, and the tempo changes keep the track in constant motion. One moment you want to dance; a few seconds later, a heavier passage arrives and gives the song the necessary pressure. Yet nothing feels overloaded or forcibly assembled.

The drums also deserve great praise. They are precise and energetic, and together with the electronic beats they create a pronounced rhythmic foundation. The bass fills the space between the guitars, synthesisers and electronics, so the resulting sound feels massive while remaining clear.

After reading the lyrics, The Savior takes on another dimension. It is not the story of a classic hero who arrives to save the world. Rather, it is the perspective of someone who realises that the greatest battle must be fought within. A battle with their failures, doubts, moments of despair and the need to rediscover the strength to stand back up.

The contrast between the more serious lyrical theme and the energetic, at times almost club-like music works surprisingly well. Electric Callboy combine heavy metalcore passages with enormously catchy choruses and dance electronics so naturally that the result does not feel like an experiment, but like their own musical language.

The Savior is not a song that tries to overwhelm the listener with extreme heaviness. Its strength lies in its energy, catchiness and the perfect combination of disco beats with metalcore. With every further listen, you also discover another detail: an electronic line, a melody or a subtle change in the arrangement.

When I thought about which songs I would return to first after finishing the entire record, the answer came entirely naturally: Heartclub and The Savior.

Not because they are new.

But because they are simply brilliant.

Remixes: A Bonus That Is More Than Mere Filler

After ten songs come four remixes. I have to admit that this was probably where I was most sceptical. On many albums, remixes feel like mere padding or an attempt to extend the running time. But once again, Electric Callboy have shown that they never do things by halves.

The remixes of We Got The Moves, TANZNEID, Hypercharged and Revery do not feel like an unnecessary appendage at the end of the album. Each offers a different perspective on familiar songs. There is even more electronics, the rhythms are more dance-oriented, and certain motifs take on a completely new dimension. These are not versions I would listen to more often than the originals, but as a bonus they work extremely well and bring the entire record to a fitting close.

When a Physical CD and LP Still Makes Sense

At a time when most people listen to music through streaming services, it is a pleasure to open an album that offers something extra.

The premium edition of TANZNEID is not merely about an attractive booklet. The package also includes a special Heartclub NFC card. Simply hold it against your phone and exclusive content prepared directly by the band opens immediately. You will find a personal thank-you from Kevin and Nico, a themed game and other bonuses that ordinary listeners will not find on streaming platforms.

It may be a small detail. But details like these show that Electric Callboy are still thinking about how to offer their fans something extra. In the age of digital music, it is a refreshing touch and another reason to choose the physical edition of the album.

Verdict

I have to admit that I expected a great deal from TANZNEID. Electric Callboy are very close to my heart, and after the phenomenal TEKKNO, I thought it would be almost impossible for them to raise the bar once again.

I was wrong.

TANZNEID may not bring a revolution. But honestly, it does not need to. Electric Callboy have taken everything their fans love about them and brought it close to perfection. Heavy riffs, enormous choruses, electronics, humour, emotion and world-class production. Everything works exactly as it should.

Paradoxically, the two new songs brought me the greatest joy. Heartclub and The Savior are not merely bonuses for fans. They are proof that, even after years at the top, the band have not lost their inspiration. Quite the opposite. They can still surprise us and write songs that stand comfortably alongside the greatest hits of their career.

After several listens, I realised one thing. TANZNEID is not an album built around one or two singles. It is a record that works as a whole. Every song has its place, each brings a different mood, and together they create one of the most cohesive recordings Electric Callboy have released to date.

As a fan, I am thrilled.

As an editor for Rebel Sound, I can say only one thing.

Electric Callboy have once again confirmed why they now belong among the absolute global elite of modern metal music. TANZNEID is not merely another album in their discography. It is further proof that even after many years, music can still be made with immense joy, courage and a desire to surprise. If their next chapter is as strong as this one, then all of us as fans have a great deal to look forward to.

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