Rammstein concert, an amazing experience design

Above: A photo I had taken of Rammstein from the third balcony at the ACC

On May 8th, 2011, I went to the Air Canada to see Rammstein in concert; a German Industrial Metal band known for their "shock-rock" and exhilarating live performances. However what I imagined to be "shock-rock" for this band did not even come close to what I had experience - it was more like a "shock-rock opera," Their use of theatriuc aesthetics such as props, pyrotechnics, dramatic lighting and lasers added fuel to the intensity of their heavy metal sound. Even the features of the stage was designed to move around and transform into different futuristic, war zone-like scenes as the songs changed. Flame torches, high risers, stunts and flamboyant costumes gave it a feeling of an over the top, hardcore metal fantasy, making it feel surreal and exciting for the audience. A show for the senses, the band used these elements to create an interactive and accessible experience for the crowd, making them feel as if they are apart of this heavy metal dreamscape. For example, the keyboardist would get involved with the crowd and there was a time where he brought out an inflatable boat and ore and rowed himself in a sea of fans. In one number, the lead singer brought out this huge canon that shot foam out into the mosh pit. Throughout the whole concert, blazes of heat could be felt by people as far back as the balconies whenever they were set off, and clouds of smoke hovered over the stadium. As for the Ockham's razor, I would say the technical effects were complex, but the way the stage was designed to move around during the performance made it look natural and fluid rather than an interruption. What I found most interesting was the apeal for their performance rather than the preference of them as a band. I knew quite a few people who entered the concert that were unfamiliar with Rammstein, let alone their music, but they all came out loving the show because of their intense performance using pyrotechnics and other amazing sensory features. For this band, theatrics are not just the icing on the cake, but a stronghold of their image and music.