Neue Deutsche Härte

Neue Deutsche Härte (; "New German Hardness"), sometimes shortened to NDH, is a style of rock music popular in Germany and Austria. Starting from Neue Deutsche Welle, the term was used by the music press after the release of Rammstein's first album "Herzeleid".
Features.
Neue Deutsche Härte has a crossover style from Neue Deutsche Welle, alternative metal and groove metal. They merge it with elements from electro-industrial and techno music. NDH bands usually have electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals. They may also have keyboards, synthesizers, samples and sometimes drum machines. NDH uses guitars that are distorted and tuned low (drop D or drop C). In most NDH songs, there is an importance of showing predominance. This is done by over-pronouncing some syllables and sounds (such as the uvular [sound made with the uvula] or alveolar trill [sound made with the tongue touching or near the alveolar]). The vocals are usually in German, sung by a deep, male voice. Some bands use screaming and death growls, used in songs by Oomph!, Rammstein, Joachim Witt, Megaherz, and Eisbrecher.
History.
The basics of the NDH style were set up by Oomph!, on their second album, "Sperm" (1994), and by Rammstein with their first album "Herzeleid" (1995). In those days, Oomph!'s biggest impact was from groove metal bands such as Prong, Pantera and Sepultura. Rammstein, who takes inspiration from many bands, such as Depeche Mode and Ministry, is one of NDH's most influential bands. NDH is specially successful in continental Europe; Rammstein having sold almost four million records in Germany, and earning gold and platinum records in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland.
Oomph! got a gold record for their 2004 single "Augen auf!" in Austria and Germany. Eisbrecher's 2004 self-titled debut album came at No. 13 on the Deutschen Alternative Top 20 Chart, while their second album came at No. 85 on the German main chart.
Cultural influence.
In 2011, comedian and musician Bill Bailey released a cover of Simon &amp; Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair" in the NDH style. The lyrics are translated word for word, sparking controversy from German audiences.
Music.
Platz, Nym and Balanck show Neue Deutsch Härte as a strong and powerful mix of German metal and hardcore influences and elements of techno – all coming together with the abilities of modern music production.