On his second album,
Der W (aka Stephan Weidner, former bassist, lyricist, and head of German punk veterans
Böhse Onkelz) offers even more stylistic diversity than on his solo debut, 2008's
Schneller - Höher - Weidner: 2010's
Autonomie! encompasses metal songs, synth-heavy electro rock, jazz ballads, ska, and earthy rock. Weidner's band consists of guitarist Dirk Czuya, drummer JC Dwyer (ex-
Pro-Pain), and bassist Henning Merke (
Jingo de Lunch), with
Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee guesting on "Machsmaulauf."
Autonomie!, which is also available as a deluxe edition with two bonus tracks, entered the German album charts at number three. ~ Christian Genzel