The abuse scandal surrounding singer Till Lindemann continues to occupy the music world. Despite all the criticism of Rammstein, the band is again represented several times in the German charts, although not everyone feels comfortable listening to the songs of the Berliners. But don’t worry, Rammstein isn’t the only band that combines electronic industrial sounds with electric guitars and heavy vocals. Discover five Rammstein alternatives here that can give you a similar sound that you might even like better.
Nine Inch Nails: Versatile and emotional
Trent Reznor started Nine Inch Nails in the USA in the late 1980s and since then has combined many different styles in his project. Initially more synth-pop, Reznor gradually incorporated guitar into his repertoire, resulting in two of his best works. The 1992 EP “Broken” features loud distorted guitars and lyrics that revolve around themes of self-destruction, anger at the music industry and sex. Despite several adult lyrics and music videos being banned by MTV, “Broken” was a huge hit and the song “Wish” on it earned the band their first Grammy (Best Metal Performance). More formative and influential, however, was the follow-up The Downward Spiral, on which Reznor worked through his own depression. The guitars scream out in pain on some songs, while quieter songs, like Johny Cash’s covered “Hurt,” offer a glimpse into the musician’s inner life.
Meanwhile, the sound of NIN has become more electronic, which was not least due to Reznor’s new musical partner Atticus Ross. Together they also specialized in film music and twice won the Oscar for their work. In fact, there is an interesting connection to Rammstein through Trent’s work as a film composer: in 1996 director David Lynch hired the multi-instrumentalist for the soundtrack to “Lost Highway”, which famously used two Rammstein songs and drew the attention of US audiences to the German band .
Ministry: Brutal and political
If you like it a bit louder and heavier all the time, Ministry is the right address. Formed in 1981 by Alain “Al” Jourgensen, the band gradually transformed from a synthwave-heavy sound into one of the luminaries of the industrial metal scene. Albums like “Psalm 69: The Way To Succeed And The Way To Suck Eggs” or “The Land of Rape and Honey” were considered trend-setting for the genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Shrill guitars meet energetic drums and booming synthesizers. When singer Al Jourgensen then roars into the microphone with his deep voice, Rammstein fans almost feel reminded of the band’s best years. No wonder, because the Berliners used the Ministry song “Just OneFix” Probably for the guitar riff of their most famous song “Du hast”.
Despite her brutal demeanor, Ministry stayed away from major scandals. Frontman Al Jourgensen even overcame his drug and alcohol addictions before they nearly took his life. Today, the Cuban-born singer is best known for his numerous collaborations and is a loud critic of the US Republican Party.
KMFDM: From Hamburg to the world
If you prefer singing in German with your industrial sounds, I warmly recommend KMFDM (stands for: “No Minority for Compassion”). The international music collective was founded in 1984 by the native of Hamburg Sasha Konietzko brought to life. The band first started out as a performance art project in Paris to open an exhibition at the Grand Palais. Konietzko then found more and more pleasure in performing his mix of techno, rock and industrial, which is why he continued to develop KMFDM into one of the most important groups on the scene with changing line-ups. Despite the internationality of the band and their worldwide fame among genre fans, Konietzko insists on singing songs in his native language, as on the single “Liebesleid”.
But also on the band’s other albums, such as the very popular “Symbols” or “Hau Ruck”, Konietzko occasionally whispers his lyrics mysteriously and menacingly into the microphone. In combination with an ever-changing guitar playing, one could almost think that listeners would have a less pompous Till Lindemann in front of them.
Skinny Puppy: The experimental ones
When it comes to experimental sounds in industrial metal, Skinny Puppy have to be mentioned in the same breath. The trio from Canada has existed since 1982 and isn’t afraid to play with synthesizers and loud guitars. Almost every Skinny Puppy album offers a new experience while always retaining the band’s core style. Analog synths, horror movie samples and tried and true rock instruments are what founding members cEvin Key and Nivek Ogre as their “audio sculpture”. For example, rhythmic chainsaw samples on danceable beats alternate with pounding metal passages. Skinny Puppy also likes to bring other musicians on board for their projects in order to refine their songs even further. For example, Tool drummer Dana Carey helped out on 2004’s The Greater Wrong of the Right.
In the almost 40 years that the band has existed, Skinny Puppy have achieved cult status in the scene. Even today, albums like “Too Dark” or “VIVISectVI” are classics and must not be missing at any dark dance party.
Death Grips: Rap meets Industrial meets in-your-face attitude
Although Death Grips is more hip-hop, even die-hard Rammstein fans can have fun with the trio. In addition to synths and acoustic drums, the Californians also occasionally use electric guitars. The whole thing is rounded off by the monstrous rap parts of MC Ride, who makes the synthesis of rap, punk, industrial and electro perfect. Death Grips’ versatility has won them a wide variety of fans, including actor Robert Pattinson (“The Batman”), who featured on the song “Birds” as a guest guitarist. But the band’s concerts also feature hip-hop heads as well as die-hard metalheads. Because songs like “Black Paint” could also make the audience pogo at Wacken.
Above all live, the sound of Zach Hill, Andy Morin and MC Ride really starts to ignite. Even if the eccentric artists don’t show up for their own show, they set off fireworks during their presence, which draws every die-hard into the moshpit. We would recommend the debut album “The Money Store” and “Bottomless Pit” to listen to.