"Sehnsucht" is the second studio album by the German Neue Deutsche Härte band Rammstein. It was released on 25 August 1997 through Motor Music in Europe and Slash Records in the US. The album spawned six singles, including the band's breakthrough single, "Du Hast," and helped solidify their popularity not just within Germany, but also internationally, leading to commercial success.
The title "Sehnsucht" translates to "Longing" in English, and the album features 11 songs in total, with lyrics concerning various themes such as love, desire, and power. The specific genre of the album is considered as Neue Deutsche Härte, industrial metal, progressive metal, and hard rock. The album also shows the band’s knack for theatrics and taste for controversy with the provocative song lyrics and the album’s artwork.
Upon its release, "Sehnsucht" received positive reviews from music critics and debuted at number one on the German album charts, demonstrating the band's growing popularity. Furthermore, it managed to chart in multiple other countries, including the United States, UK, Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden. As per the band's commercial success, the album was certified double platinum in the US, quadruple platinum in Germany, and gold in several other countries.
Overall, "Sehnsucht" played a significant role in establishing Rammstein's unique sound and stage presence that blends heavy guitar riffs with dramatic elements and provocative themes, cementing their place in the global heavy metal scene.
