An eerie silence preludes the resounding steps of a march that is inarguably reminiscent of the Nazi era in "Links 2 3 4", the newest project by the controversial German industrial metal band Rammstein, who when put in scrutiny make Marilyn Manson seem like Pat Boone. An intense barrage of blazing metallic guitars then joins in the fiery rage, as lead vocalist Till Linderman growls sinister German lyrics in what seems to be the voice of Satan himself. Links 2 3 4, their first single off of the sardonically named CD "Mutter" ('Mother') is to be released in the USA on April 11. Mutter, which also includes the tracks "Mein Herz Brennt" ('My Heart Burns'), "Rein Rausch" ('Complete Intoxication') and "Feuer Frei" ('Hellfire') reaches record stores on April 3rd, though a few of the more reputable sources refuse to stock the album, for obvious reasons.
Their debut US release, "Du Hast" ('I Hate') gained notoriety as the music that overtly influenced the perpetrators of the infamous Columbine massacre, avid Rammstein fans Dylan Kleebold and Eric Harris. However, Linderman, in the band's official press release concerning the tragedy, claims, "Rammstein's lyrical content has nothing that could possibly influence such behavior." Regardless, this is clearly proven false by the transcript of 'Du Hast' offered on Rammstein's official website, which includes the lines, "I hate/I hate you/I hate you to say/And you did not obey." In their self-titled anthem "Rammstein", his sadistic obsession with human suffering is further evident: "Rammstein/ A human burns/ Rammstein/ The smell of flesh is in the air/ Rammstein/ A child dies/ Rammstein/ The sun is shining." Linderman himself, though he asserts a clean reputation, has an obvious criminal record in both the US and Germany, including a citation for lewd and lascivious behavior performed during a concert for Korn's "Family Values" tour in Boston.

Now the German prophets of doom have once again brought their satanic message to the States. Rammstein, whose on-stage antics include the masochistic self-flagellation of Linderman and the lead guitarist lighting himself on fire, have announced a tour in the US for the summer of 2001. Skinheads and "goths", members of a fashion popular with modern teenagers that includes satan worship and advocates violence, make up the vast majority of Rammstein's seditious fanbase. The clear message: Beware, for a massive insurgence of modern Nazism is on the horizon.
Rammstein members Linderman, guitarists Paul Landus and Richard Kurpse, bassist Oliver Reidel, drummer "Doom" Schneider and keyboardist "Doktor" Flake Lorenz are slated to appear in this year's "Ozzfest", which has become infamous in previous years for the antics of other heavy metal acts. In addition, the wave of industrial apocalypse shall include such previously spared venues as Albuquerque, San Diego and Cincinnati. By this, Rammstein obviously hopes to accumulate a greater throng of sadistic rebels by seducing modern teenagers with the throbbing industrial sound of the new Holocaust.

"Links" sound clip: Links234.aiff

Linderman in concert

So what can we do to prevent these contemptible catalysts from corrupting our nation's youth? I am certain that I have the nation's support when I urge all who wish to have some semblance of values and morals remain to write to their local representatives and protest this Nazi inferno from reaching our children. The only way we can prevent the satanic industrial metal band known as Rammstein from forever corrupting our youth is to bar them from appearing in our cities, concert halls and clubs. Two venues, one in Los Angeles and the other in New York, have already pulled out from the planned summer tour due to pressure from caring citizens. We must persuade the others to do the same.