Rammstein rock Dublin’s O2

Monday 27 February saw Dublin’s o2 Arena turned into a fiery furnace of heavy metal. German metal band Rammstein were in town.

Not knowing much of their material, I have always been interested in seeing their stage show that so many others had told me about. So when I heard that the band would be playing in Dublin I decided to go.

Although the bus journey was long and uncomfortable, my decision to go was well worth it.

As soon as we arrived at the O2, it was easy to see that Rammstein definitely have a large following in Ireland. A queue, of what we thought, were those who had standing tickets, was almost around the building.

Rammstein were supported by Deathstars, a Swedish gothic metal band. Aesthetically, the band reminded me of the Black Veil Brides, though sounded so much better, albeit, a little bit ‘samey’.

Nevertheless, Deathstars whipped the standing crowd into a frenzy, with lead singer, Whiplasher Bernadotte, asking the metal mass to “show some tongue for Rammstein”, before leaving the stage giving everyone a breather to get excited for the headlining act.

For those who have seen Rammstein before will agree that their stage show is definitely a sight to behold, which, in my opinion, makes up for the fact that not many understand what they are singing about, as the majority of their songs are performed purely in German.

Rammstein rattled through all of their hits, including “Feuer Frei”, “Du Hast” and “Wollt Ihr Das Bett In Flammen Sehen”, with each song being a lot louder and more exciting that the last.

Pyrotechnics are not lacking, and during most songs, the stage is basically set on fire. We saw lead singer Till Lindemann doused in flames, as well as wearing black angel wings, with flames being spat from the tips.

Various different explosions at different points in the evening kept the crowd on their toes, as even though I was sitting at the back of the arena, I still felt burnt from the heat and jumped at the bangs of the fireworks.

The lyrics, however, do not take away from the musical talent of the band. All members, including the keyboard player (who didn’t stop walking on a treadmill throughout the whole show) are very talented.

Lead singer, Lindemann, has the onstage personality of some sort of dictator, commanding his every move to the frenzied crowd, not to mention a fantastic voice. I haven’t seen so many people bouncing up and down at one time to a band before.

All in all, a good night was had by all, judging by the hazy smoke filled arena at the end of the show.

My favourite song of the night was “Engel”, which saw Till emerge from below the stage wearing a gigantic pair of angel wings, which spat flames out from the tips.

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to see Rammstein, I urge you to book your tickets the next time the German metal warriors are in your town – a show not to be missed!