Now considered elder statesmen of techno-metal with a live show that can rival any KISS concert, Rammstein were just getting started when Mutter, their third album, was released on this day (April 2nd), back in 2001. It showed tremendous creative growth after the band cut their teeth on their debut album Herzeleid (released in 1995) and their sophomore effort Sehnsucht (released in 1997).
The first track, “Mein Herz brennt” became a fan favorite and was frequently used as an opening song on the Mutter tour. Ironically, the band wouldn’t release a track for “Mein Herz brennt” until their greatest hits album, Made in Germany, was released in 2011.
Mutter‘s singles including “Sonne”, “Links 2 3 4”, and the title track “Mutter” remain popular throughout the band’s career and are still mainstays at live concerts. The single “Feuer frei!” was included in xXx with the band themselves playing it at a club. The official music video included footage and additional clips from xXx. Techno-metal elder statesmen RAMMSTEIN released their third album MUTTER 20 years ago today!
“Ich will” had the same kind of pop-hook that made their most famous song “Du Hast” a classic; the powers that be, unfortunately, released the video on September 10th, 2001. It featured the band members robbing a bank with their keyboard player Christian “Flake” Lorenz sporting an explosive vest. These themes became intolerable in the aftermath of 9/11 and MTV banned “Ich will”.
Many still consider Mutter as part of the band’s first incarnation. Their formative years if you will. But it remains a fan favorite, and definitely worthy of celebrating on its 20th anniversary.
The members of Rammstein have never split since forming in the early 1990s. They are lead vocalist Till Lindemann, lead guitarist Richard Kruspe, rhythm guitarist Paul Landers, bassist Oliver Riedel, drummer Christoph Schneider, and keyboardist Christian “Flake” Lorenz.
Are you a fan of Rammstein? Do you think Mutter is as fantastic as we do? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.