Dominated by Kruspe and Landers' sledgehammer rhythm guitars, which mesh together like precisely synchronized gears, the riff-laden album rivals Pantera and classic Metallica's most brutal work. We insist on being louder than everybody else. Landers mentions that both he and Kruspe are primarily rhythm players, and when it comes time for a solo or melody line, the two will usually play the part together at the same time. Our producer asked us to try playing the normal way, and it turned out much better. Richard is more of the tube guy, while I am more of the transistor guy.
Tube is slow and fat.
Transistor is fast and aggressive. Together they sound very good. Together they make the Rammstein sound. Both guitarists summon their ominous, crunchy tones live and in the studio by plugging Mesa Boogie and SansAmp preamps direct into the mixing board. But heavy riffs are only part of Rammstein's aural assault.