German hard rock band Rammstein caused controversy with the Jewish community this week with the release of a video teaser for what is assumed to be a new album.
The 35-second video, released on Tuesday (27th), features the band wearing striped uniforms with tags resembling stars pinned to their lapels and nooses around their necks. A black screen follows with the word “Deutschland” and the roman numerals “XXVIII.III.MMXIX,” denoting that an announcement will be coming on Thursday, March 28.
Jewish groups are upset over this imagery, as such designs are reminiscent of what the Jews were forced to wear in concentration camps during the Holocaust.
In a statement made to German rag Bild (as reported by Reuters), president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch said
“With this video, the band has crossed a line. The Instrumentalization and trivialization of the Holocaust, as shown in the images, is irresponsible.”
The band has not addressed the controversy yet.
This isn’t the first time the band has found themselves or their music embroiled in controversy. Rammstein has often been scrutinized for their militaristic imagery and lyrics that deal with taboo topics such as BDSM and cannibalism. Especially in their early days, many thought the band were part of a new “master race,” something they vehemently deny.
Rammstein released their last album, Liebe ist fur alle da, nearly a decade ago in 2009. The band will embark on a stadium tour in Europe that will take them into the summer. They will also be playing a couple of dates in Russia on July 29 and August 2.
[via Reuters]
