"Herzeleid" is the debut studio album by the German Neue Deutsche Härte band Rammstein. It was released on 25 September 1995 through Motor Music. The album's title translates to "Heartache"; composed of songs that the band had developed over a period of four years. The recording process took about four days, a significantly short period of time compared with modern albums. The album was a pioneer in introducing the unique sound of Rammstein, mixing hard, heavy metal guitar riffs with electronic music.
The album contains 11 songs, prominent among which is "Rammstein", a song inspired by the event of the 1988 Ramstein air show disaster. The lyrics take on a variety of themes, from sadomasochistic love, melancholy, to grim and controversial subjects. The whole spectrum of Rammstein's lyrical and musical intensity debuted in this album, marking it as a milestone that has helped establish the strong, internationally recognized identity of the band.
Although its initial reception was lukewarm, the album sold well and became a success over time. It eventually reached platinum status in Germany and was instrumental in exposing the band to a wider audience, domestically and abroad.
"Herzeleid" represents an influential stage in Rammstein's career. It was an experimental mix of industrial metal and electronic music, a genre-defying mix that Rammstein has since made their trademark. It stands as a testament to the band's world-renowned pyrotechnics, bold style, and unusual stage presence.
