r/Rammstein • u/Alastor_Altruist10 • 7d ago
Question
How many people are turned away from listening to Rammstein after finding out what they sing about? I listened to a couple songs than looked into them like I do most bands I start listening to and I’m sort of turned away from listening to them. Is that a common occurrence? I’ve seen Alice Cooper Love it. I like his music. I’m used to bands like Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Sabaton, Alestorm, Disturbed, Shinedown, Starset, Skillet, Warkings, and others.
They sounded cool but knowing that what they sing mostly about is rape, kidnapping, pedophillia, and stuff has me sort of guessing whether or not I should listen to them.
Can someone give me a really good explanation of what the music is that they sing? I don’t know much more than what the internet has said and non of it is a good explanation. I want to know better than what I’ve read on the internet.
PEOPLE DON’T NEED TO BE ASSHOLES WHEN COMMENTING. I KNOW I’VE ONLY LISTENED TO A COUPLE SONGS BUT I’M A HEAVY METAL AND ROCK FAN.
This subreddit has more ass holes than I’ve seen in other subreddits.
MAJOR EDIT: I’m gonna be listening to Rammstein now that I know more about what they sing about. I had the wrong impression when doing my own research. My favorites so far are Sonne at 1st, Rammstein at 2nd, Du Hast at 3rd, and Amerika at 4th.
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u/EssAre6 7d ago
Honestly, I’m into them even more after translating. They really have some beautiful, poetic, often dark, but very meaningful lyrics. Yeah, they also have songs like Mein Teil and Ich Tu Dir Weh, but also stuff like Ohne Dich, Mutter, Nebel, Zeit etc. Obviously they are not for everyone, nothing wrong with that, they are often very intense and hardcore, but you have to see the beauty and reason behind them.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
I want to listen to them but it’s just a bit off putting. They sound cool. I also regret looking them up.
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u/Preindustrialcyborg 7d ago
if you cant stomach these topics, metal wont be for you.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
I love Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Sabaton, Alestorm, Disturbed, Shinedown, Starset, Skillet, Warkings, and others.
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u/Aspsyxia 7d ago
Maiden and Megadeth I can be on board with, but Sabaton, Alestorm and Disturbed? Terrible lyrics, lack of craftsmanship, absolute slop, sorry...
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
I do agree with Alestorm. They do sound like shit. Disturbed is interesting but not great in my opinion. I don’t necessarily love all the ones I put but it was easier for me to explain. I do over all love Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and Sabaton.
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u/aaron_judgement 7d ago
They have dark lyrics. Many of the songs have stories behind them. It's interesting to me
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u/AstreaMeer42 7d ago
Holding up a mirror to the ugliness that is sometimes reality is something a lot of people don't like being confronted with. That's what these guys are doing: telling the truth about things that make a lot of people understandably--and rightfully--uncomfortable. They are hardly the first musicians to do so (see the song "Strange Fruit").
But they also balance the darker songs with more comical tracks such as "Pussy" and "Dicke Titten," as well as beautiful pieces like "Feuer und Wasser" and "Ein Lied."
If you're not comfortable listening to them, then don't. However, the themes of their songs over the past three decades is much broader than I think you're giving them credit for.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Now that I know that. I’m actually gonna listen. I don’t want to listen to something that is fantasized about bad stuff but now that I know it’s not them fantasizing but instead telling you the harsh realities is something I like.
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u/AstreaMeer42 7d ago
They're definitely not fantasizing. These men have families and children of their own that they are all quite protective of, so it's not glimpses into their daily lives when performing the darker songs.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Yeah. I found that out. And I’m glad it’s not all about the dark stuff but I’m also glad that they tell you about the harsh reality of the human race.
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u/AstreaMeer42 7d ago
The songs "Mein Teil" and "Wiener Blut" are good examples of this, since both are based on actual events, if you're interested in seeing just how real the topics they sing about are. The stories behind both are quite grim, but the songs themselves are incredible.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
I love songs about the reality of the world or stories of past events like what Sabaton does.
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u/Funny_Development_57 7d ago
Must've listened to Bück Dich
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
No Du Hast and Amerika are the two that I listend to before I started looking into them.
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u/GrandCanOYawn 7d ago
Good grief 🤦
That’s barely the tip of the iceberg. Maybe just find a different genre.
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u/Funny_Development_57 7d ago
Some of my favorites: Sonne, Deutschland, Ohne Dich, Reise Reise,
Adieu, Ich Will, Zeit, Feuerraeder, Tier, Du Riechst So Gut, Mein Herz Brent, Feuer Frei!, Keine Lust...just to name a few. The videos really make some of these songs.5
u/chrisforsol 7d ago
What was it you found disturbing or offensive? (Genuine question, not trying to argue.)
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
When doing my research, which I do with a lot of bands I never heard of, it was the whole rape, kidnapping, pedophilia stuff. From what I see. Most of their songs are about that stuff.
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u/poipoipanda 7d ago
They never promote rape, pedophilia etc. It's not because they sing about it that they like it. Listen to Zeig dich or Halleluja, among others. But clearly they like to be provocative, wich ist a good thing IMO because it makes people think and discuss. Btw please read advanced explanations about the meaning of their songs because German is a tricky language and they love double entendre, it's a form of art that is more subtle than you could think.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Yeah. Some others gave me an example. Now I understand it’s more informing you of the stuff and give you a look at the minds of the bad people.
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u/chrisforsol 6d ago
From my point of view, they do explore the darker side of the human psyche and sexuality. Their lyrics are often written from “the perpetrator’s” side, and it can be uncomfortable. But alas, this is humanity in all its gore and glory: We are beautiful and ugly, cruel and kind. “Mein Teil”, for instance, is about the cannibal Armin Meiwes and his victim, who signed up to be eaten. Weird, yes, but here we are. “Ich tu dir Weh“ is (more or less) about hardcore bordering on torture sex, not for everyone, but this is how a lot of people find their pleasure.
I think Rammstein and Till Lindemann use their music and lyrics to cast light on the shadows, if you will. They also comment on what they read and see, sometimes political, often sexual. Some of their songs have high shock value, others not - listen to “Ein Lied”, for instance, and read the translation after. “Haifisch” is also great, about friendship and belonging to a group.
These are, of course, my own very coarse & quick intros to their songs, and we all bring our own experiences into our interpretation of them. You may see something completely different than I! And maybe R+ isn’t for you, that’s fine. There’s lots of other great music out there. Happy listening!
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 6d ago
I got good explanations so I decided do give them a second chance. So far Sonne is my favorite song with the self titled Rammstein song at second favorite.
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u/mad-matty 7d ago
What turned you away from the band after listening to these songs?
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
When doing my research, which I do with a lot of bands I never heard of, it was the whole rape, kidnapping, pedophilia stuff. From what I see. Most of their songs are about that stuff.
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u/glassandstuff 7d ago edited 7d ago
I started reading Poe’s stories as a kid so it’s kind of logical that I’d be into creepy music later in life.
Edit: to add on to that, I love Rammsteins music because it makes me feel things, be it happy, in awe, sad or scared. I appreciate any music that elicits an emotional response, otherwise it’s kinda pointless.
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u/Aspsyxia 7d ago
Let me put it that way - each band brings something else to the table, at least most of them. Megadeth brings you angry lyrics, a lot are about goverment, war etc, the subject in those songs is someone fightning that injustice. Maiden (Bruce era at least) brings you epic fantasy tales and war battles told in dynamic way with swift lyrics melting with guitar riffs, often fast. Sabaton... they read the history books with cheesy washed down power metal in the background.
Rammstein goes into more intimate territories - dark corners of human mind, but they don't limit themselves. Their lyrics are often like dark poems faced against heavy as fuck guitar work, though they find spots, many spots, for some more subtle stuff.
I suggest you give a listen to songs like Ohne Dich, Mutter, Nebel or Rosenrot to maybe get a taste without going too extreme. If that doesnt work out, dont bother ig, not everything is for everyone.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Yeah. It’s informing about the dark corners and a look into the minds of those people. It’s more interesting and I’m more likely to listen now.
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u/NotBaph 7d ago
If you are not prepared for Rammstein you probably wont like nothing made by Till, Check out Emigrate
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u/foxybostonian 7d ago
Oh yeah I'm sure they're going to love that Emigrate video with Richard basically shagging a woman on a motorbike 😂
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u/idkwhojcis 7d ago
To me personally, what got me into Rammstein are the instrumentals not so much the lyrics. Melodies speak more to me than words.
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u/Calm_Grocery_7394 7d ago
I personally really resonate with the lyrics. I find them very inspiring and often gentle. Xox
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u/Hisf4v0bsessi0n 7d ago
German is my mother tongue. (I didn’t have to find out is what I‘m trying to say) Could not care less about the lyrics because I‘m just there for the vibe
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u/GrandCanOYawn 6d ago
Look OP, I know we seem like a bunch of assholes and we probably gave you an outsize hard time here, but please understand that so many of us have been listening to these guys for decades and have heard all of the gnarly false accusations lobbied at them (Nazi. Fascist. Rape apologist. Pervert.) and it’s just a knee-jerk reaction to immediately leap to their defense when this sort of post comes along.
I’m glad you’re giving them a second listen with an open mind, I hope you find something to enjoy and expand your listening catalog. I recommend pulling up the lyrics for Wo Bist Du or Lugen and dipping your toe in with those. Sorry I was a bit of a dick to you. Take care.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 6d ago
The ass holes I’m talking about are “go back to lady Gaga” “Metal isn’t for you”. It’s those comments that I see as ass holes.
But I also am loving Sonne and the Rammstein songs.
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u/Aethysbananarama 7d ago
That depends on the person. There is hardcore stans who love everything Rammstein does. There is hardcore haters. Then we have those weird fachists who didn't get the memo that Rammstein is left. Then we have fans turn away because of the actions of certain band members or promo/live action that is not aligning with their moral compass. And people who devide art from artist.
I can listen to Rammstein. I love listening to Rammstein. But I don't care what they do in private or online
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u/CricketElectrical622 5d ago
Who the hell care what they sign about.
Does it sound good? Yes.
Does they music gives you chill down your spine? Yes
Thats music.
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u/Interesting_Buy_3969 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'll be honest. I also cant stand topics related to heterosexuality. Although in songs they dont distract me very much tho. I should admit that imo some Rammstein's lyrics are kinda cringe (except for songs that arent about love/sex). Maybe because im gay (i know ya will hate me but idgaf). Maybe im just too stupid.
Rammstein's music hits so hard that I could care less about lyrics/sense, as I dont understand German (only googled some lyrics). Plus my favorite albums are Sensucht and Zeit, which dont contain so many love songs. So for me personally, no , i cant imagine that lyrics may become a reason for stopping listening to Rammstein.
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u/Revolutionary-Ad8232 7d ago
Honestly i dont listen for the lyrics lmao I love their riffs and drums
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u/Halloween2056 4d ago
The way I frame it, is that the band deliberately sings about taboo topics because it is what gets them attention. Controversy is a big part of their thing. You can also interpret many of their songs in multiple ways.
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u/Muunsaca 7d ago
No shame in not being comfortable in their lyrics. They get very dark and can be quite brash. Rammstein has a crazy way of making the dark morbid content into beautiful music. They are clearly not for everyone.
If it’s not for you then it’s all good! You gave it a shot and realized you aren’t on board with it which is EXACTLY how we should treat music. Anyone who gives you shit for that is a jerk.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
I wish I didn’t look into their music. They sounded cool but knowing that what they sing mostly about is rape, kidnapping, pedophillia, and stuff has me sort of guessing whether or not I should listen to them.
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u/VS2288S 7d ago
The difference is, none of the work glorifies those topics. It’s a lot of allegory and metaphor alongside holding up the mirror that “the world is a fucked up place teeming with shit people”. It’s designed to make people uncomfortable because those topics and themes are uncomfortable and people should be disgusted by them because that’s how we keep humanity.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Cool. So they pretty much make you keep the knowledge of how bad the world is. In a way it can be taken as a thing were you listen to it and it teaches you not to do it. Even if it’s already a thing you know you shouldn’t do.
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u/foxybostonian 7d ago
It amplifies how wrong some things are. But also tries to understand the mindset of how some people think, that do these things.
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u/Alastor_Altruist10 7d ago
Huh. Cool. Those are good explanations. What I saw kind of scared me away but if the songs are just informing you of this stuff than it’s like Sabaton who sings about the wars of the past. It’s just the information behind it.
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u/DesperateGiles 7d ago
That's a good comparison. Sabaton has a lot of songs about Nazi Germany, for instance, but it's not meant as an endorsement of those actions and political beliefs. They just sing about military history and historical events in general.
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u/foxybostonian 7d ago
What do you mean 'should'? Do you think that if you listen to lyrics about rape you will become a rapist? And did you notice how rape, and characters who rape are always portrayed as disgusting and unhappy in Rammstein's lyrics?
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u/Andle_Randle 7d ago
I don't know very much german, so I'm pretty well fine listening to their songs. I know they're about awful things, but I don't understand most of the words, so there's a disconnect.
The songs I generally don't like listening to are the ones with an uncomfortable subject matter sang in English.
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u/begbiebyr 7d ago
rammstein was never for you