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Rammstein

Band History / Early Years

Aggressive, outrageous, controversial, and musically gifted. All these and more describe the German metal band Rammstein. These master showmen have entertained audiences for years with their over the top stage shows and intense metal sound.

Born in 1967, guitarist Richard Kruspe would eventually found Rammstein. After escaping from communist East Germany to the West, Kruspe played in a band known as the Orgasm Death Gimmicks. After the fall of the wall, Kruspe returned to his hometown, leaving behind his old band. There, he met Til Lindemann at a local music venue. Impressed by his vocal skills, Kruspe asked Lindemann to join him in a new band he was creating: Rammstein.

Also involved were Kruspe's roommates, bassist Ollie Reidel and drummer Christoph Schneider. The group moved towards a heavy industrial/metal sound that would characterize the German Neue Deutsche Härte scene. Winning a local contest, the band was given free studio time with which to construct a demo album. Rhythm guitarist Paul H. Landers would join the band on the strength of their recording. Landers was able to recruit keyboardist Christian Lorenz into the band, finalizing the bands lineup.

With the help of Swedish producer Jacob Hellner, the band recorded their first album. Titled “Herzeleid“ and released in 1995, the band's tour began to build a loyal fan base. An appearance on MTV helped further their recognition amongst European music fans, solidifying them as a force to be reckoned with on the metal scene.

They received greater exposure abroad when Nine Inch Nails's Trent Reznor recommended their music to legendary director, David Lynch. Two of Rammstein's singles were licensed for Lynch's film Lost Highway. A dark and confusing film, the aggressive industrial sound was a perfect fit and as a result Rammstein found themselves with a growing fan base overseas.

Rammstein's second album, “Sehnsucht” was released in 1996. Featuring the hit single “Du Hast”, this would be their breakout album. A slow build, the album's popularity wouldn't explode until late 1997, but when it did it almost immediately went to the top of the charts. “Du Hast” was number five on the European charts and was well received by hard rock fans all over the world. The album topped German charts just weeks after placing.

In 1998, Rammstein's popularity was reaching a fever pitch. They grew so popular, they would headline concerts featuring longtime superstars such as Glenn Danzig as supporting acts. In October of '98, the band would join other popular rock, rap, and metal acts such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Orgy on the Family Values Tour.

Since then, Rammstein has continued to successfully create industrial heavy metal with an operatic flair. Their live shows feature controversial theatrics and stage props that are as well rehearsed as they are envelope pushing. Fans from around the world continue to flock to Rammstein. Their latest album, “Liebe ist für alle da”, will be released October 16, 2009. __

Band Members/ Biographies

For over a decade, Rammstein has been one of the most cohesive bands on the industrial/heavy metal scene. With no major changes to their lineup since 1995, Rammstein has maintained solid band relations and put out some of the most enticing music of their genre.

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Til Lindemann- Lead singer of Rammstein, Lindemann has been involved in the music for years. Born in East Germany, he performed an eclectic mix of jobs including carpenter, basket weaver, and drummer for a punk band. A single father, his participation with Rammstein was difficult for him as it separated him from his children for long periods of time.

A poet, he is the primary lyricist for the band. In 2002, he released Messer, a collection of poems. His onstage antics have made him famous as an intense and lively performer. Shockingly aggressive, fans will often witness him beating inanimate objects and himself with equal ferocity. It is not uncommon for him to draw blood or receive burns from the complicated pyrotechnics the band employs in their stage shows.

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Richard Kruspe – Founder of Rammstein and lead guitarist, Richard Kruspe also grew up in East Germany like much of the band. As is the case with many young men, he originally began playing the guitar because women found it attractive. However, he quickly became an avid player. Looking to face new challenges and advance himself musically, Kruspe escaped to West Germany when he was nineteen and joined a band called the Orgasm Death Gimmicks.

Today, he provides the unique sound for Rammstein. Featuring distorted guitars and echoes of machinery, the band relies on his skills as guitarist. He also produced a side project with his band Emigrate, where he was main lyricist as well as lead singer.

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Paul Landers – Born Heiko Paul Hiersche, Paul Landers is the rhythm guitar for Rammstein. In 1983, he formed the German punk band Feeling B. A regular on the local music scene, Landers was also a member of the bands First Arsch and Die Firma. Landers has two children.

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Oliver Riedel – Nicknamed “Ollie”, Riedel plays bass for Rammstein. Reidel is one of the shyer members of the band, in spite of his towering 6'7” height. An accomplished musician, he played with a folk/punk rock band Inchtabokatables before working with Rammstein. His interests include photography, extreme sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding, and computers.

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Christoph Schneider – Drummer for Rammstein, Christoph Schneider was also a member of Die Firma and Feeling B alongside Paul Landers. One of the most private members of

the band, Schneider has avoided releasing any personal details. Also from East Germany, he was a one time conscripted member of the army.

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Christian Lorenz – The last member to join Rammstein, Lorenz was also the most reluctant. In need of a keyboardist, they sought out Lorenz due to his association with Paul Landers from his time in Feeling B. Unconvinced he was the right fit for an industrial band, it took some persuading to bring him into the band.

Lorenz is one of the most vocal members in regards to politics. He has spoken out against globalization, religion, and other topics.

Together, these men have formed together as Rammstein. As one of the top rock acts in the world, their stage shows draw thousands of fans from all over.

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Discography

Since their debut in the mid-90s, the German industrial and hard rock band Rammstein has been producing top quality music for fans all over the world. Today, they're preparing for their most recent album's release and planning a world wide tour.

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Herzeleid – Released in September of 1995, Herzeleid was the band's first album. This began Rammstein's slow ascent into the world of stardom. The major breakthrough for this album was the songs “Rammstein” and “Heirate Mich” inclusion on the Lost Highway soundtrack.

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Sehnsucht - Rammstein's sophmore release, Sehnsucht featured the smash hit “Du Hast.” A chart topper, this album was one of the top sellers. Released in August of 1997, Sehnsucht reached platinum status in the United State, a feat never before accomplished by a German-language album.

• Mutter – This 2001 album featured popular singles such as “Links-2-3-4” and “Sonne.” Recorded in France, it did not achieve the same critical or commercial success as their previous album, but was still well-received on the whole.

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Reise, Reise – Released in 2004, Reise, Reise achieved significant popularity throughout Europe, continuing Rammstein's streak of commercially successful albums. It also fared slightly better in the United States than Mutter, although it still failed to match Sehnsucht's level of success.

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Rosenrot – Released in late 2005 or early 2006 depending on the region, Rosenrot was another success for Rammstein. Issues covered in the album include homosexuality, the economy of petrol gas, and other uncommon topics for songs.

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Liebe Ist Für Alle Da – Rammstein's most recently completed album. Due to be released in October of 2009, the band has already begun touring and releasing singles in preparation. Already raising some controversy, their first single released, “Pussy”, has caused some controversy due to the graphic sexual images displayed in the music video.

With over a decade of music experience under the belts, Rammstein is certain to continue touring and releasing albums for some time. Lead singer Til Linndeman has announced he plans to retire in 2013, although whether he sticks to that plan remains to be seen.

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Awards

As one of the largest industrial/rock acts in the world, Rammstein has been the recipients of multiple awards. Here are a few of the honours they have achieved in the past. Multiple albums have gone platinum in Europe, including Herzeleid, Sehnsucht, Mutter and Rosenrot. In addition, Sehnsucht has the distinct honour of being the only German language album to ever become a platinum seller in the United States. All together, Rammstein album sales exceed ten million copies.

Of course, sales numbers aren't the only thing that matters. Rammstein have also been nominated for a variety of prestigious music awards. They have received one trophy from MTV Europe for best German performance of the year as well as a nomination for Best Rock Song. However, their most prestigious nomination came in 2006 when the Grammy awards nominated them for Best Metal Performance of the year.

Rammstein are also regular winners at metal focused industry award ceremonies. Events such as the MetalHammer awards have routinely honoured their music. With their genre crossing style, Rammstein has been nominated for best rock, metal, and alternative band from a hodgepodge of different media outlets and enthusiast awards shows.

Their most recent slew of nominations came in 2006 with the release of “Rosenrot.” However, with the release of their latest album, it seems only a matter of time before these German superstars find themselves called to the stage again for an awards ceremony.

Rammstein Videos