LORDS OF CHAOS’s Jonas Åkerlund Also Directed These 5 Controversial RAMMSTEIN Videos

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Jan 30, 2019

Regular readers of Dread Central know I’m a huge fan of the Norwegian black metal biopic Lords of Chaos, which I caught at last year’s Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. In fact, it made my Top 10 list of horror movies screened during the festival (link below). Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the film will arrive in select theaters February 8th and VOD on February 22nd.

Related Article: Top 10 Horror Movies from Fantastic Fest 2018

While Åkerlund has an extensive filmography, most of his work has been in the arena of music videos. In fact, he’s worked extensively with the German techno-metal band Rammstein, producing five projects for the explosive outfit. Which ones? Read on to find out! You can also peep the synopsis and trailer for Lords of Chaos at the bottom of the article.

“Mann Gegen Mann”, Album: Rosenrot (2005)

In “Mann Gegen Mann”, the majority of the band appears naked and oiled-up; lead singer Till Lindermann is the sole exception, donning a latex speedo. Throughout the video, Rammstein is joined by a literal legion of other naked men. Surprisingly, the video made it past the censors, despite the fact that you can clearly see keyboardist Christian Lorenz’s member in one quick background shot. See if you can spot it!

“Ich tu dir weh”, Album: Liebe ist für alle da (2009)

The video for “Ich tu dir weh” attempts to approximate the experience of being at a Rammstein concert. Having seen the band live myself, I can attest that it’s a far cry from the actual intensity of facing off against the sextet, but it’s still fucking awesome. Lindermann actually pierced his cheek in order to have a light installed near the back of his mouth, creating a stunning effect when the vocalist pushes his upper register. The most controversial thing about this video is the lyrics, but since the majority of Rammstein fans (at least those of us in America) don’t speak German, the obscenity and/or brutality is lost.

“Pussy”, Album: Liebe ist für alle da (2009)

Spoilers: It’s a porno; straight-up, unapologetic, nothing left to the imagination, pornography. Not only is “Pussy” definitely Rammstein’s most controversial video, it’s probably one of the most deviant ever produced in the history of hard rock. Sure, the song is a goof, a joke that wears its irreverence on its sleeve. The band sings this one in English making nothing about it opaque, although it’s worth noting that the band employed body doubles for the video’s most intimate moments. Nope, we’re not going to share it here; we’re not even going to give you a link. Hit up Google and find it for yourselves, you dang perverts!

“Mein Land”, Album: Made in Germany 1995–2011 (2011)

“Mein Land”, the only new single on Ramstein’s greatest hits album, Made in Germany 1995–2011, is a perfect mix of the band’s comedic irreverence and explosive live performances. Shot on the beaches of Malibu as an obvious spoof of 1960’s era surfing flicks, the video for “Mein Land” descends into a scene straight out of Mad Max. It’s also worth noting that during the stage performance segment of the video, each band member has his face painted to resemble The Crow as played by Brandon Lee in 1994.

Rammstein: Paris (Concert Film)

Åkerlund’s most recent work with Rammstein wasn’t on a mere video; he directed and edited an entire, epic concert that band performed back in 2012 in (you guessed it) Paris, France. It’s a must watch for all Rammstein fans, especially if you’ve never experienced their live show in person. Whereas the video for “Ich tu dir weh” is an approximation of a live show, Rammstein: Paris is the real deal and will definitely leave you rattled and satisfied! For a taste, check out the version of “Du Hast” below.

In Lords of Chaos:
A teenager’s quest to launch Norwegian Black Metal in Oslo in the 1980s results in a very violent outcome. Lords of Chaos tells the true story of True Norwegian Black Metal and its most notorious practitioners – a group of young men with a flair for publicity, church-burning and murder: MAYHEM.

Jonas Åkerlund directs Lords of Chaos from a screenplay based on the nonfiction novel of the same name; the film stars Rory Culkin, Emory Cohen, and Jack Kilmer. Look for it in select theaters February 8th and VOD on February 22nd.

Are you excited to check out Lords of Chaos next month? What do you think of the film’s first real trailer? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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