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rammsteinFormed in East Berlin prior to the fall of the wall that separated the Communist east and Capitalist west, Rammstein's existence has been built upon refusing to accept limitations and a desire to stir shit up at every opportunity. Combining militaristic rhythms, syncopated guitars, an epic scope, German lyrics and the rumbling baritone of vocalist Till Lindemann, the band are a true musical sore thumb who have resolutely done things their way. Constantly pushing themselves to expand within the boundaries of the sound they have perfected whilst resolutely refusing to sing in English and therefore maximise their marketing potential, every release has seen them evolve and grow into an ever more humbling musical force.Courting controversy on and off stage, the band have struggled against unjust accusations of Nazism, whilst their live show - comprising the sort of elaborate pyrotechnics and warped theatrics that could be mistaken for a bad day in a warzone - has rightly earned them the reputation as one of the world's greatest live bands. 
Name: Mutter
Label: UNIVERSAL
Year: 2001
Review: IMBUING THEIR sound with a cinematic scope previously absent from their works, 'Mutter' is a stirring and spectacular record. The expansive 'Mein Herz Brennt', the ruthless 'Ich Will' and the breathtaking 'Sonne' are just a few of the highlights on a record that is steeped in dark hearted romanticism but pulls no punches in delivering a remorseless metallic bludgeoning. 
Name: Reise, Reise
Label: UNIVERSAL
Year: 2004
Review: FURTHER BULKING up the driving rhythms and insistent guitars that characterised their sound, 'Reise, Reise' expanded Rammstein's formidable sonic arsenal into ever more dramatic territory. Daring to experiment and fuck with their formula, they created the most powerful record of their career, a rush of naked emotion draped over a monstrous metal fuselage. Pulverising and beautiful at the same time. 
Name: Sehnsucht
Label: UNIVERSAL
Year: 1998
Review: WITH THE accompanying live show bringing them notoriety due to truly insane pyrotechnics and the simulated buggery of keyboard player Flake by vocalist Till Lindemann with a huge jizz-squirting dildo, this was the first record to gain them attention outside of their homeland. An electrifying sonic pummelling, this was the perfect vehicle to carry their unique vision to the masses. 
Name: Rosenrot
Label: UNIVERSAL
Year: 2005
Review: THOUGH COMPRISED largely of leftovers from the 'Reise, Reise' sessions and lacking the fluidity of that release, this is, however, anything but sloppy seconds. The duet with Sharleen Spiteri of MOR lame-arses Texas is pretty horrible but there are some true gems here, such as the titanic 'Hilf Mir' and the aching 'Wo Bist Du', which sees Rammstein at their thunderous best. 
Name: Herzeleid
Label: UNIVERSAL
Year: 1996
Review: ALMOST IMPOSSIBLY German in tone and presentation, the sense of otherness imparted by Rammstein's debut is both intriguing and alienating at the same time. Undermined by tinny guitars that lack punch and a rather alarming leaning towards euro-dance keyboards, overall it hints more at glories to come rather than defining them as a truly great band from the off.
Key rammstein Tracks |
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