Do the Oi! Skin/Street Punks by STOMPER 98 the record for their 20th band anniversary “Traditional“ released and entered the German album charts for the first time, they are giving themselves a self-titled record to mark the quarter of a century of their existence.

And the interested listeners get what one would expect from the men from STOMPER 98, although there were once more a few changes in the line up, in addition to Silvio Transition, Stefan Herz also joined, the latter on drums for Phil Templar (THE TEMPLARS), which conveniently includes singer Sebastian “Sebi” Walkenhorst PLIZZKEN are active.

“Skins and punks and relatives, friends of the clear edge, the thorn in the ass in their system, non-conformist and uncomfortable” says the oppressive opener “Stachel Im Ass” which, like the following “Außenseiter”, is an obligatory hymn to the subculture and the “Way Of Life” on no Oi! Plate may be missing. The following “We Hold The Flags High” is dedicated to the group’s deceased companions and skilfully maintains the balance between pathos and tempo. Singer Sebi, who recently had a serious accident at work, seems to have used this forced break for vocal training, because on “Stomper 98” he delivers what is probably the best vocal performance of his career to date, the projects TRANSITION and PLIZZKEN included, as he once once more impressively proves on “So Lange ago”.

Also on the second record with Lars Frederiksen (RANCIDTHE OLD FIRM CASUALS), its influence is unmistakable, as on the angry “Knowst Du Dich Wieder”, before they speak out quite bluntly in a socially critical manner in “Deutschland Im Chaos” and they serenade themselves with “25 Years”. and also set a musical monument with “Alex” to Andrew Burgess’ “A Clockwork Orange”.

While the use of brass has always been a trademark of STOMPER 98, saxophonist Holgi presents himself in top form on the new record and skilfully puts his stamp on it, as on the merciless catchy tune “Boots, Beer and Bomber Jackets”, which you can hear loudly from the second verse at the latest bawls along.

Admittedly, the first single releases in the summer didn’t really convince me, but following one or two listens at the latest, the new album grabs you. After 25 years, the guys know their craft more than well and shine with excellent songwriting and 13 varied and catchy tracks. Even if some Boot-Boys & Girls probably don’t agree with me, STOMPER 98 are obviously like good wine – the older the better, and so you can confidently call the self-titled disc the best output to date. Oi! Oi! Oi!