Rammstein

Rammstein is a German band that rose to fame thanks to explosive performances, controversial video clips and impressive albums, including Mutter and Rammstein.

The band, fronted by the imposing frontman Till Lindemann, was founded in 1994 by musicians all hailing from the former East Germany. This was partly the reason for choosing their own language for vocals. As children in a communist country, they had learned Russian at school, not English. Rammstein also wanted to distinguish themselves explicitly from the larger groups, often inspired by American influences. From the outset, the staccato lyrics were therefore accompanied by a Teutonic mix of metal and electronics.

Their debut album, Herzeleid (1995), didn't make much of a splash, but their performances, featuring plenty of fire, explosions, and other theatrical effects, quickly established Rammstein's reputation. Their big breakthrough came with Sehnsucht (1997), featuring the singles "Engel" and "Du Hast." International recognition came thanks to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, who included two Rammstein songs—"Heirate Mich" and "Rammstein"—on the soundtrack for David Lynch's film "Lost Highway." Without abandoning their German language, Rammstein also proved to be gaining a foothold in the US.

In their music videos, Rammstein flirted with symbols from their totalitarian past, which caused particular discomfort in their home country. However, Rammstein didn't back down, as was evident with the release of the militant-sounding "Mutter" (2001). The band caused a stir with the single "Mein Teil," taken from "Reise, Reise" (2004), because it was based on a high-profile cannibalism lawsuit. Audiences lapped it up, giving Rammstein their first German number-two hit. New successful albums followed with "Rosenrot" (2005) and "Liebe Ist Für Alle Da" (2009). Critics were once again savaged with the single "Pussy," taken from the latter album, due to its lyrics and music video full of blatant pornography. However, the general public latched on again, and it even gave Rammstein their first number-one hit in Germany.

Just how impressive the band was live could be witnessed on the live recordings: Live Aus Berlin (1999), Völkerball (2006), Made In Germany (2011), Rammstein In Amerika (2015), and Rammstein: Paris (2017). A representative compilation was also released in the form of Made In Germany (2011). A long silence on the record front was effectively shattered in 2019 with the untitled seventh album, Rammstein, featuring the single "Deutschland," with which the band—in lyrics and music video—presented its own version of the history of their homeland. Fans and critics alike were in raptures as usual. Rammstein was back in full force.

At Platenzaak.nl we have a huge selection of Rammstein CDs and LPs, including exclusive editions.