Rammstein: A Biography of the German Metal Band

The German Industrial Metal band Rammstein was formed in 1994 in East Berlin, Germany, the former soviet controlled territory. The alternative rock band first entered the world’s stage when film and television director David Lynch (Twin Peaks) commissioned them to work with him. By this time, Rammstein’s unbounded, unhinged, and explosive live shows had already made them famous throughout mainland Europe for their pyrotechnic displays and use of language and perversion.

Included in the band are: former Olympic swimmer Till Lindemann (b. 4 January 1963, Leipzig, Germany; vocals), Richard Kruspe (b. 24 June 1967, Wittenburg, Germany; guitar), Paul Landers (b. 9 December 1964, Berlin, Germany; guitar), Christoph Schneider (b. 11 May 1966, Berlin, Germany; drums), Oliver Riedel (b. 11 April 1971, Schwerin, Germany; bass) and “Flake” Lorenz (b. Christian Lorenz, 6 November 1966, Berlin, Germany; keyboards).

Music:

To this day, Rammstein has released 6 full albums:
-Herzeleid (1995)
-Sehnsucht (1997)
-Live aus Berlin (1999)
-Mutter (2001)
-Reise, Reise (2004)
-Rosenrot (2006)

Timeline:

1994:
Rammstein is formed in Berlin, Germany.

1995:
– Production of the album “Herzeleid” begins in Stockholm Polar-Studio with producers Jacob and Carl Michael Herloeffson.
– “Herzeleid,” Rammstein’s first album is released to critic acclaim and sells 500,000 copies in Germany alone. This release puts Rammstein on the map in the music world.
– “Du riechst so gut” the first single from ‘Herzeleid’ is released. The album is also available as a limited Digipack edition.
– Rammstein tours with the German band ‘Project Pitchfork’ for 15 concerts and plays in concert with the band ‘Clawfinger.’

1996:
– Rammstein support ‘The Ramones’ on the “Adios Amigos Tour” in Germany for 8 Concerts.
– Rammstein plays 14 concerts in Germany, the most for the band so far, and then appears on MTV’s “Hanging Out.”
– American director David Lynch chooses two Rammstein songs, “Heirate mich” and “Rammstein” for his movie “Lost Highway” soundtrack. The film premiers In the United States in the fall of 1996, and in Europe in spring 1997.
– Production of “Sehnsucht” is started at The Temple of Studios in Malta. The producers are Jacob Hellner and Rammstein.

1997:
– Herzeleid spends 29 consecutive weeks on the charts.
– Rammstein puts on a sold out tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
– Rammstein films music videos for both “Engel” and “Du Hast” both singles achieve gold status quickly.
– Sehnsucht is released to widespread excitement and immediately shots to #1 on the German charts.
– Rammstein tours in the United States for the first time in their history.

1998:
– Rammstein receives the Viva Comet award for the category “Best Live Band.”
– Rammstein receives a double platinum and a gold award for “Sehnsucht” and “Herzeleid”. More than 500,000 copies of each were sold in Germany.

1999:
– Rammstein is nominated for the 42nd Annual Grammy Award in the category of “Best Metal performance”.
– The album “Live aus Berlin” is released. It was recorded live at a Rammstein concert earlier in 1999.

2000:
– Rammstein’s new album, “Mutter” begins recording in the South of France.
– It is rumored that Rammstein chose France for the recording because they visit vineyards to get inspiration.

2001:
– “Mutter” is published by Rammstein after mixing in Sweden earlier in the year.
– Rammstein plays at the MTV Europe Music Awards, “Ich Will”. For many fans the appearance was ingenious.

2002:
– The announcement is made that Rammstein will perform “Feuer Frei” in the upcoming Vin Desil movie, “XXX”
– Rammstein’s song “Hallelujah” is added to the “Resident Evil” soundtrack.
– A stroke victim’s benefit ball is held in the ‘Hotel Intercontinental’ in Berlin. Till Lindemann won a 36,000 Euro Mercedes and donated it to the Stroke Victims Charity.
– Rammstein wins the UK’s Kerrang award for the best Hard Rock/Metal Band.

2003:
– Paul Landers and Christoph Schneider contribute the “Sauerkraut Remix” to Marilyn Manson’s “mOBSCENE” single.
– From November to December Rammstein record their 4th studio album, “Reise, Reise” at the El Cortijo Studio in Southern Spain.

2004:
– The “Amerika” video is filmed in the ruins of a former chemical factory near Berlin under the direction of JÃ?¶rn Heitmann (who also directed the “Ich will” video) Rammstein stood in front of the cameras for two days, from 5 pm until 5 am. The spacesuits for the moon scenes are borrowed from Hollywood and 240 tons of ash are needed to create the moon landscape.
– The fourth Rammstein album, “Reise, Reise” is released on September 27, 2004 in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The album goes straight into the Top 10 charts throughout Europe after its release. According to the Billboard charts, Rammstein is now the most successful German band ever.

2005:
– Rammstein plays in Berlin for 70,000 fans and introduces “Benzin” for the first time.
– The album “Rosenrot” was released worldwide on October 28th 2005. Rosenrot is as successful as the prior album, “Reise, Reise” and takes the top 10 charts in 20 different territories with good speed.
– Rammstein is nominated for yet another song, “Mein Teil.”
– Rammstein receives a world sales award for having over 10 million CDs sold.

2006:
– Rammstein music video “Mann Gegen Mann” is released on MTV’s Rockzone.
– Rammstein receives Echo, EMMA and Edison awards for their musical exploits.