Rosenrot is Rammstein’s fifth studio album, released on October 28, 2005, by Universal Music. The album, recorded across several studios in Europe, features a blend of industrial metal with experimental elements, including a song sung in Spanish and a duet with Sharleen Spiteri. Known for its provocative lyrics and diverse musical styles, Rosenrot explores themes of love, desire, and societal critique.
Track Listing
Benzin
Mann gegen Mann
Rosenrot
Spring
Wo bist du
Stirb nicht vor mir (Don’t Die Before I Do)
Zerstören
Hilf mir
Te Quiero Puta!
Feuer und Wasser
Ein Lied
Album length: 48:08
Music genre
Industrial metal, Neue deutsche härte
The Lineup for the Album
Till Lindemann: lead vocals
Richard Z. Kruspe: lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Landers: rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Oliver Riedel: bass guitar
Christoph Schneider: drums
Christian “Flake” Lorenz: keyboards
Release Date
October 28, 2005
Record Label
Universal Music
Recording Date
2003 - 2005
Recording Studio
El Cortijo Studio (Malaga, Spain) and Teldex Studio (Berlin, Germany)
Produced by
Jacob Hellner and Rammstein
Album Themes/Concept
Love and Relationships: “Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don’t Die Before I Do)”: This duet with Sharleen Spiteri explores themes of love and longing, depicting a deep emotional connection between two lovers, filled with melancholy and desire (Wikipedia) (Discogs). “Feuer und Wasser”: Translates to “Fire and Water,” symbolizing the conflict and passion in a turbulent relationship. The lyrics delve into the push and pull dynamics of love (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Destruction and Violence: “Zerstören”: Directly translates to “Destroy,” and the song explores themes of destruction and chaos. It delves into the darker side of human nature, addressing the impulse to destroy and the fascination with chaos (Wikipedia) (MusicBrainz). “Benzin”: The song, which translates to “Gasoline,” uses fire and fuel as metaphors for destructive desires and the craving for intensity and danger (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Existential and Moral Struggles: “Rosenrot”: The title track, translating to “Rose-Red,” is inspired by Goethe’s poem “Heidenröslein” and deals with themes of temptation and moral dilemmas. It tells a story of unattainable love and the consequences of following one’s desires without regard for the consequences (Wikipedia) (Discogs). “Spring”: This song tackles existential themes and the human fascination with death and the void. The narrative follows a crowd’s dark curiosity as they urge someone to jump from a building (Wikipedia) (MusicBrainz).
Social and Cultural Critiques: “Mann Gegen Mann”: Translating to “Man Against Man,” this track addresses themes of homosexuality and societal attitudes towards it. The song’s lyrics are a bold critique of homophobia and the struggles faced by gay individuals in society (Wikipedia) (MusicBrainz).
Fantasy and Storytelling: “Te Quiero Puta!”: A unique track that mixes Spanish with German, it features a mariachi band and tells a story filled with sexual innuendo and playful, over-the-top fantasy elements. It stands out for its cultural fusion and lyrical boldness (Wikipedia) (Discogs). “Hilf Mir”: Inspired by the story “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen, this song deals with themes of neglect and desperation, painting a bleak picture of a child’s struggle for warmth and safety.
Album Mood
Dark and Brooding: The overall mood of Rosenrot is intensely dark and brooding. The album delves into themes of destruction, existential dread, and moral struggles, which contribute to a pervasive sense of darkness. Tracks like “Zerstören” and “Spring” are imbued with a sense of violence and nihilism, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and introspective (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Melancholic and Reflective: Several songs on the album, such as “Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don’t Die Before I Do)” and “Feuer und Wasser,” carry a melancholic tone. These tracks explore themes of love, loss, and longing, inviting listeners into a reflective and somber emotional space. The duet with Sharleen Spiteri adds a layer of wistful beauty to the album’s overall mood (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Aggressive and Confrontational: The aggressive and confrontational nature of Rammstein’s music is evident in tracks like “Benzin” and “Mann Gegen Mann.” The former’s relentless energy and the latter’s bold critique of societal norms showcase the band’s ability to tackle controversial subjects with unapologetic intensity. This aspect of the album resonates strongly with metalheads who appreciate music that challenges and provokes (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Ethereal and Haunting: Songs like “Wo Bist Du” and “Hilf Mir” introduce an ethereal and haunting quality to the album. The use of keyboards and atmospheric soundscapes enhances the haunting mood, creating a sense of otherworldliness. These tracks provide a contrast to the heavier, more aggressive songs, adding depth and variety to the album’s overall mood (Discogs) (MusicBrainz).
Playful and Bold: “Te Quiero Puta!” stands out for its playful and bold approach. Incorporating mariachi elements and playful lyrics, the song adds a unique and unexpected twist to the album. This track’s audacity and fun bring a lighter, albeit provocative, touch to the otherwise dark and serious tone of Rosenrot.
Album Trivia
Album Name and Origins: Originally intended to be called Reise, Reise Volume Two, the album was renamed Rosenrot before its release. The title is inspired by the German fairy tale “Snow-White and Rose-Red” by the Brothers Grimm. The album consists of tracks that were initially written during the Reise, Reise sessions but were refined and included in this new release.
Leftover Tracks: Many of the tracks on “Rosenrot” were originally intended for the previous album “Reise, Reise” but were not included. This has led some fans and critics to consider “Rosenrot” almost like a companion piece or a “part two” to “Reise, Reise.” Despite this, the songs on “Rosenrot” stand on their own and showcase the band’s willingness to experiment with their sound.
Influence and Themes in Songs: “Benzin”: This song was inspired by the film “Love Liza,” which tells the story of a man who becomes addicted to inhaling gasoline fumes. The song explores themes of addiction and destruction. It was also performed live months before the album’s release (Affenknecht). “Te Quiero Puta!”: Rammstein’s first song in Spanish, translates to “I Want You, Whore.” It includes mariachi-style trumpets and was created as a tribute to their Mexican fans, as Reise, Reise was very successful in Mexico (Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie) (Affenknecht). “Zerstören”: Originally titled “Ankara,” this song references the Iraq War and features a Turkish woman’s singing at the beginning. It is Rammstein’s critique of global politics, specifically directed at George W. Bush.
Music Video Filming: The music video for the title track “Rosenrot” was filmed in Romania and features the band members as travelling monks who arrive in a small village. The storyline involves a tragic love story and highlights the band’s flair for dramatic and visually compelling narratives.
Listen or Pass
This album might be for you if you…
Enjoy Industrial Metal: Rosenrot features Rammstein’s signature blend of heavy, industrial sounds with electronic elements and hard-hitting riffs. If you appreciate bands like Nine Inch Nails or Ministry, you’ll likely enjoy the sonic landscapes of this album.
Like Provocative and Thematic Lyrics: The album dives into complex themes such as love, desire, obsession, and societal critiques. Tracks like “Rosenrot” and “Mann gegen Mann” provide thought-provoking lyrics paired with powerful music.
Appreciate Musical Experimentation: Rammstein experiments with different musical styles on this album, such as the incorporation of mariachi elements in “Te Quiero Puta!” and the duet with Sharleen Spiteri in “Stirb nicht vor mir (Don’t Die Before I Do).” This variety makes the album a diverse listening experience.
Are a Fan of Dark and Atmospheric Music: Songs like “Feuer und Wasser” and “Ein Lied” showcase a more atmospheric and moody side of Rammstein, adding depth and emotional weight to the album.
Enjoy Theatrical and Provocative Visuals: The music videos associated with this album, especially “Mann gegen Mann” and “Rosenrot,” are known for their bold and controversial imagery, aligning with the band’s reputation for theatricality.
You might want to pass this one if you…
Prefer Traditional Metal Without Electronic Elements: If you favor a more traditional metal sound without the industrial and electronic influences, this album’s blend of genres might not appeal to you.
Dislike Non-English Lyrics: The majority of the lyrics on Rosenrot are in German, which might be a barrier if you prefer English lyrics or find it difficult to engage with music in other languages.
Are Sensitive to Controversial Themes and Imagery: The album and its associated visuals deal with provocative and sometimes controversial themes, such as homosexuality, addiction, and explicit content. If these topics are off-putting, this album might not be for you.
Expect Consistent Tone Throughout the Album: Rosenrot is known for its variety and experimentation, which can result in a lack of tonal consistency. If you prefer albums with a uniform sound and style, this might not meet your expectations.
Prefer Upbeat, High-Energy Tracks: While the album does have some high-energy songs like “Benzin,” it also includes slower, more atmospheric tracks that might not satisfy those looking for a consistently fast-paced, energetic album.
Rammstein’s 1995 debut album, “Herzeleid” (Motor Music), is a landmark of Neue Deutsche Härte, blending industrial metal, heavy metal, and punk. Its dark themes and aggressive sound, driven by Lindemann’s vocals and heavy instrumentation, launched their successful career.
Rammstein’s 1997 album Sehnsucht is a defining work of Neue Deutsche Härte (NDH), featuring German lyrics exploring themes of longing, desire, and aggression. A commercial success, it propelled the band to international fame.
Released on April 2, 2001, Rammstein’s Mutter blends industrial metal with symphonic elements, featuring hits like “Sonne” and “Ich Will.” It topped charts in Germany and Austria, showcasing the band’s evolving sound.
“Reise, Reise,” Rammstein’s 2004 industrial metal album, features heavy riffs and provocative themes. Produced by Jacob Hellner and recorded at El Cortijo Studio in Spain, it includes notable tracks like “Mein Teil” and “Amerika”.
Rosenrot, Rammstein’s fifth studio album, was released on October 28, 2005, by Universal Music. The album blends industrial metal with experimental elements and explores themes of love, desire, and societal critique.
Liebe ist für alle da, Rammstein’s sixth studio album, was released on October 16, 2009, by Universal Music. It blends industrial metal with provocative themes, featuring tracks like “Ich tu dir weh” and “Pussy,” and faced significant censorship.
Rammstein’s untitled 7th album, released on May 17, 2019, by Universal Music, features 11 tracks blending industrial metal with electronic elements, produced by the band and Olsen Involtini.
Rammstein’s album “Zeit,” released on April 29, 2022, by Universal Music, delves into themes of time and mortality. The song “Lügen” uses autotune, and Bryan Adams photographed the cover at Berlin’s Trudelturm.