Rammstein is a neue Deutsche härte band formed in Berlin, Germany in 1994. The literal translation of neue Deutsche härte means “hard new German” and is considered industrial metal. While Rammstein is popular in Germany, they also have received great success in other countries, particularly the United States and Mexico. The lineup has not changed since their origin, and consists of lead singer Till Lindemann, guitarist Richard Kruspe, guitarist Paul Landers, bassist Oliver Riedel, keyboardist Flake Lorenz, and percussionist and drummer Christoph “Doom” Schneider. They are particularly famous for their pyrotechnics, which sometimes even includes band members setting themselves on fire, as in the songs Rammstein and Engel.

Till Lindemann has a low bass voice, which is rare in heavy metal bands. He can extend into the baritone range, but he has an extremely deep singing voice, and at some points almost sounds like he is growling. To sound like Till, you will need to be able to roll your Rs, have a deep bass sound, and speak at least some German to get his sound correct.

Guitarist Richard Kruspe uses a variety of guitars for the studio and for live performances. Most of his guitars are ESP series guitars, including the ESP RZK-1 Richard Kruspe Signature electric guitar, and the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature electric guitar. Richard also uses an acoustic Takamine for the song Los. Much of Rammstein’s music is in drop D or drop C so one would have to be familiar with different tunings. Kruspe’s style of playing is very tight; he is a talented guitarist but a very methodical one. He often teams up with the other guitarist Paul Landers during shows, and they switch off leads. Neither is considered the “lead” guitarist, although Kruspe founded the band. For effects, Richard uses a Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, a TC Electronic Nova Delay, and a Digitech Whammy. For amplification, he uses Soldano Decatone heads, and Mesa Boogie and Marshall cabinets.

Guitarist Paul Landers uses several guitars, but he mainly uses his Gibson Paul Landers Signature electric guitar in satin black. He also uses an ESP Eclipse I CTM Paul Landers Signature electric guitar in satin black. Paul also uses a Native Instruments guitar rig and an octave effect. For amplification, Landers uses a Bogner Uberschall, and a Tech 21 PSA-1 into a Mesa Boogie Strategy 500 Power Amp. He also uses Marshall and Bogner cabinets.

Bassist Oliver Riedel is an extremely talented bassist, although most of Rammstein’s bass notes are relatively easy to play. Ollie plays with both a fingerpicking style of playing and also with a pick. He exclusively plays a Sandberg California PM bass. The effects he uses are overdrive and fuzz bass pedals. For amplification, Riedel uses a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI, and a Glockenklang Heart-Rock amp. He also uses two 8×10 cabinets.

Keyboardist Christian “Flake” Lorenz gives Rammstein its punchy, industrial sound. A talented keyboardist will definitely be needed to replicate Rammstein, as their sound would sound empty without him. In concert, he uses two keyboards at a time, one being a Roland VR-760, and the other being an Ensoniq ASR-10. He uses several software synthesizers, called Absynth, Massive, and FM8, all from Native Instruments. Flake also uses a variety of samples during performances, provided by Native Instruments and Spectrasonics.

Christoph “Doom” Schneider is an extremely tight drummer and it could easily be said he holds the entire band together. Currently, he uses a Sonor drum kit with Sabian cymbals. He also uses Giantstep bass pedals and 600 Series hardware.

To sound like Rammstein, firstly, an intermediate knowledge of German is a must for the vocalist, as well as a bass range. The six members of the band must be extremely tight and in tune with each other at all times. Rammstein’s music is not highly technical, but industrial sounding. The two guitarists must be able to trade off on leads and play well together. A talented bassist and keyboardist will be needed, as well.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Rammstein by Affendaddy taken on September 24, 2010
Rammstein by F de Falso taken on November 25, 2010
Rammstein by Anirudh Koul taken on May 5, 2011