Rammstein album axed by censors

The German heavy-metal rockers Rammstein recently released a new album only to be placed on the index of restricted works. This prevents young people, aged under 18, from buying it.

In trouble with the censors: Rammstein, Photo: Flickr (CC) SpreePiX

The popular teutonic band’s new album “Liebe ist alles” has run afoul of the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons. The Department cited the frequent use of explicit sexual lyrics and sado-masochistic imagery as the reason for the decision. The decision also means that the album cannot be advertised.

The rockers are no strangers to controversy. Just weeks ago a music video released to the single “Pussy” caused a stir because of sexual practices in the video. The media outcry and public condemnation has not dented album sales – at present the new album is at number 4 of the European album charts.

According to a report from Deutsche Welle, this is the first album since the 1987 album “Debil” by the band Die Aerzte, to be indexed in entirety. In an official statement, Rammstein called on fans to take along proof-of-age documents when buying the album.