Rammstein: Paris Film Review

As the saying typically goes for them, “Other bands play; Rammstein BURNS!”, it is an absolute truth. This concert film, filmed in March 2012 at the former Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy, it shows Rammstein in their true, heavy metal, flaming form.

The film begins somewhat solemnly, with the band walking through the crowd, Ollie (bassist) carrying the torch, and come to a bridge to cross to the stage. The flames from the torch are definitely a foreshadowing of what’s to come on this disc.

As you would expect from Rammstein, their unique and powerful Neue Deutsche Härte sound is what truly drives this film. Rammstein: Paris is an incredibly visual, visceral, and burning documentation of their show in Paris in 2012. Playing cuts from all of their albums, there were several crowd favorites; Keine Lust, Du Riechst So Gut, Mein Herz Brennt and Engel come to mind. These guys just continue to flame on, and burn all the rest with their music and pyrotechnics.

Jonas Åkerlund’s production and direction makes for a very in-your-face concert film. While these hard-hitting Germans are playing, Åkerlund’s work seems strongly suited, and slightly off-kilter for this type of film. Additions of some computer-generated imagery and animation really throw you off from the even, whether you’re a fan of the band or not. I appreciate that each song opens with a title card, but on some songs, they go further by actually adding the CGI to the action in the song itself. For example, a wayward tongue and vampire fangs are digitally painted onto the band, and that just distracts you from the pure energy and fireworks the band have on stage.

The ashes, grease and grime that cover the band members do nothing to hinder their musical prowess. They sound just as good live as they do on their studio albums, if not better. The pummeling thunder of the entire band just seems to dirty up even more as the flames and ash float through.

This is the closest you’re going to get to the live show, until you finally get the opportunity to see them here in the US. Right now, they have a few shows scheduled, and unless you’re lucky enough to live close by, it’ll be difficult to catch them. Until then, watch this to get an idea of how amazing their shows can be!

Although the CGI, and the quick angle cuts seem to pull you out of the action, the remainder of the concert film is fulfilling if you’re a music, concert, or Rammstein fan!

4 out of 5 Stars