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Metal Hammer – September 2005

Club Citta, Kawasaki, Japan (concert played 3rd June 2005)

It’s not easy being rock'n'roll's most entertaining act... especially.' when you're having to entertain in a venue decidedly more bijou than the ones you normally sell out. But then Rammstein - the Berlin-based pyromaniacs - are nothing if not adaptable.
To make this showcase possible, over four tons of specialist gear have been shipped across from Germany, and what couldn't be shipped has been bolted together on site. Like we said, it ain't easy being Rammstein, but at least there's never a dull moment; the Club Citta show has been sold out for weeks (literally the hottest ticket in town), and the atmosphere inside the venue is one of pure anticipation - all of which the band will be capturing via half-a- dozen cameras as they attempt to unveil the kind of no-holds-barred spectacle rarely seen in a country where pyro by and large equals a 'no no' Finding a flashbomb-friendly venue in Tokyo Central was pretty much ruled out from the off, which is why Rammstein & crew have journeyed to Club Citta in Kawasaki, an hour's drive from the capital.

'Reise, Reise' kicks things off, an epic excursion that will one day be used to launch a boat or build a pyramid, then it's quick march into 'Links 2 3 4, which gives the crowd its first chance to get involved. And hell do they! Forget about language barriers, forget about cultural divides, 'cos Kawasaki's rock contingent appear to have mastered all of the words, and aren't afraid to use them! They may not know exactly what is meant by 'Du Hast' or 'lch Will', but they're well up for showing their support, and both of the aforementioned songs provide the perfect way in.

Due to the size of the venue (1300 capacity), Rammstein have had to trim and tweak a few of the more grandiose elements of their set, which means that Till appears for the encores clad in flaming coat and laser lenses rather than with twin flamethrowers in tow; tour manager Nicolai, however, is not a man to let restricted roof height spoil his fun, so by the time the Depeche Mode cover 'Stripped' brings proceedings to a climax, he's effectively transformed a regular rock venue into something resembling (and certainly smelling like!) the devil's own rotisserie. Rammstein and Japan; it would seem like the perfect pairing. (9)

Henry Moore

© 2005 Sue Lindemann