Lindemann - Skills in Pills (2015)^{Release ID: 6198}

‘Skills in Pills’ in the 2015 debut album of Lindemann, the self-titled project of Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann. Teaming up with Peter Tägtgren of the band Pain, this album feels like a heavier, more keyboard-driven and overall more ridiculous version of the aforementioned Rammstein.

The most noticeable element on ‘Skills…’ is, not only the outrageously ludicrous lyrics, but the fact that Lindemann is singing in English. Something he only did a brief few times with his main band. But the lyrics… oh my! Clearly Lindemann was somewhat filtered in his main project, because here, it’s like anything goes. Literally, there are no filters here. From drugs to abortion, and sexual fetishes involving obesity to being urinated on, absolutely nothing is off-limits.

The thing is though, I like it. It’s ridiculous and shouldn’t work, but it does. Lindemann can pull this kind of thing off, and with some incredibly heavy and ballsy music backing him, it just kind of works for him. And the musical side, all covered by Tägtgren, is incredible. Heavy and atmospheric, with some proper pumping and energetic performances, it suits the lyrics and baritone voice of his partner in crime perfectly.

With highlights including the pounding ‘Fish On’, ‘Ladyboy’ and ‘Cowboy’, the disgustingly offensive ‘Fat’, ‘Praise Abort’ and ‘Golden Shower’, or the hauntingly beautiful ‘Home Sweet Home’, this album is a flurry of utter nonsense, but well-written and down-right brilliant nonsense. Obviously this won’t appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy Rammstein and aren’t easily squeamish or offended, then this is most certainly an album worth checking out!

Shortly before Rammstein's hiatus, vocalist Till Lindemann invited Pain/Hypocrisy mastermind Peter Tagtgren to one of their concerts in Sweden. They previously met in the year 2000. After doing one of two songs, Tagtgren felt like making an entire album. The band wasn't originally going to be named after Lindemann, but every other band name they thought of was already in use. Still I think of this band as kind of Lindemann's solo project, and that includes his solo album Zunge.

Lindemann and Tagtgren make one h*ll of a storytelling duo. Tagtgren also handles all the music, though it would've been cool to hear some contributions from Rammstein members. Skills in Pills is one of the only Lindemann-led albums to be in English instead of German, making the themes of pills, drugs, booze, and sex more... well, naked.

The former 3 lyrical themes are covered the most in the interesting opening title highlight. The lyrics in "Ladyboy" has more deadpan delivery while having a bit of humor, "Dressed for fun, no romance. Two in one, I'll take my chance." And again in "Fat" which can shock the easily offended and get anyone with a sense of humor laughing, "Your flappy butthole, a soggy cave. I put in my parts, and let them bathe."

"Fish On" takes on a Devo-like style in a hot story of mermaid sex. Heading down into the earlier sounds of Rammstein, "Children of the Sun" seems fresh out of the Reise Reise sessions. "Home Sweet Home" goes further down into the Mutter era as an orchestral power ballad with lyrics not too far off from the fairytale that is the music video for the ultimate Rammstein classic "Sonne". Stomping through is "Cowboy", relatable to those dreaming of being a cowboy getting his chicks on Route 66(6). The song itself is a true highlight sounding close to Turmion Katilot.

The ultimate highlight goes to "Golden Shower". The lyrics are so ridiculous and potentially offensive, and yet I'm so intrigued, "Golden shower, let it fly, from your pretty c*nt!" "C*nt, c*nt, your pretty c*nt!" Absolutely Rammstein! Whispers and bells creep in on "Yukon". Even a song like "Praise Abort" can take on a controversial topic without causing a storm of conservative protesters. "That's My Heart" is a bonus track in the special edition with orchestration and additional vocals by Clemens Wijers of Carach Angren.

Skills in Pills is a pretty good start for Lindemann's duo with Tagtgren that made the wait for Rammstein's next album worth it for fans of the band. The duo have really added some kinky kinks to the sound Lindemann does best. Fun for the family, while not really being family-friendly....

Favorites: "Skills in Pills", "Fat", "Children of the Sun", "Cowboy", "Golden Shower"