Rammstein
Sonisphere’s artist pages are written for real fans by real fans. Thanks to Alex Eperon for this one…
Not many bands have actually been imprisoned for their live show, but Rammstein have managed it. An industrial maelstrom of churning guitars and striking keyboard riffs, the German band’s music conjures up powerful images of everything from America to German marriage vows, Till Lindemann’s gruff vocals turning the industrial complex that is Rammstein from a mere industrial band to a band with vision and inspiration; a band which, where all others have failed, still uses vocals in its native language, not the American English adopted by many bands.
Formed in the wake of the Soviet Union’s control in East Germany, Rammstein truly arose out of nothing but ashes, and yet their phoenix refuses to burn any less brightly since its fiery creation, the band remaining as much visionaries as musicians. It is powerful music, as listeners appreciated when their second album, ‘Sehnsucht’, rose straight to the top of the German album charts in Rammstein’s home country.
Since then the band has gone from strength to strength, recording a stunning selection of albums right up until their newest offering, ‘Liebe ist für alle da’. Yet they could not have done this without an impressive live show. Often shunned by the media for controversial lyrics, their albums are constantly supported by waves of touring that seem to suggest un-ending vigour.
Their shows themselves have been immortalised in several live albums, but even ‘Völkerball’ and’ Live Aus Berlin’ fail to capture the majesty of their stunning performances – as anyone who has witnessed them can attest, Rammstein’s fame is built not upon the music industry, but the pillars of flame and over-the-top actions and videos of their superb live show; not to mention the groundrock of perfectly presented setlists. A truly great band, standing head and shoulders above most other bands, they have inspired many musical movements while consistently failing to conform to stereotypes and constantly shock and entertain the World with their live shows and studio recordings.
With their latest tour gathering speed in a hurricane of industrial metal that is guaranteed to shock, Rammstein are yet again proving why they deserve to be regarded as one of rock’s all time greats. If any band deserves to headline Sonisphere 2010, it is this one.
Band Members:
Richard Z. Kruspe – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul H. Landers – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Till Lindemann – lead vocals
Oliver Riedel – bass guitar
Christoph “Doom” Schneider – drums, percussion
Christian “Flake” Lorenz – keyboards, samples
Must-have album: Sehnsucht.
Song we hope they play at Sonisphere:
Du Riecht So Gut, from their debut album Herzeleid.
Watch this!
Rammstein ‘Du Hast’ Live
Official website:
www.rammstein.de
