Paul Landers is a rhythm guitarist and composer whose career began within the underground music scenes of East Berlin. Born in 1964 in Treptow-Köpenick, he navigated the transition from East German punk bands to the global stage as a founding member of the band Rammstein, influencing the sonic identity of the Neue Deutsche Härte genre over several decades.
Early Career and Punk Origins
At age 18, Landers joined the East German punk ensemble Feeling B, working alongside Aljoscha Rompe and Alexander Kriening. During his formative years in the late 1980s, he participated in multiple projects including Die Firma and Die Magdalene Keibel Combo. His professional trajectory intersected with Till Lindemann and Richard Kruspe during the production of the documentary flüstern & SCHREIEN. These connections led to his involvement in the band First Arsch, which released the album Saddle Up in 1992.
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In 1993, a group consisting of Lindemann, Kruspe, Christoph Schneider, and Oliver Riedel formed the band Templeprayers. Following a victory at the 1994 Berlin Senate Metrobeat Contest, the ensemble secured funding for a professional four-track demo recording. Landers and Christian Lorenz subsequently joined the group, which adopted the name Rammstein. The band has since released eight studio albums, including Herzeleid, Sehnsucht, Mutter, Reise, Reise, Rosenrot, Liebe ist für alle da, Rammstein, and Zeit.
Technical Equipment and Signature Gear
Landers utilizes a specialized collection of instruments and amplification. He holds the distinction of being the first German artist to receive a signature Gibson guitar, specifically the Satin Ebony model. His equipment history includes the ESP Eclipse I CTM, a Sandberg Custom Plasma guitar featuring interior LEDs, and various Music Man Axis models. For amplification, he employs a Fractal Axe-FX paired with a Rocktron Velocity 300 power amp, often augmenting his sound with a signature PL1 Tech 21 Flyrig pedal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Treptow-Köpenick
- Citizenship: Germany, German Democratic Republic
- Primary Instrument: Guitar
- Bands: Rammstein, Feeling B, First Arsch
- Languages: German, English
- Signature Gear: Gibson Paul Landers Signature, ESP Eclipse I CTM, PL1 Tech 21 Flyrig
Questions readers ask
What was the first band Paul Landers played in?
His early professional work included the East German punk band Feeling B.
How many studio albums has he released with Rammstein?
He has contributed to eight studio albums with Rammstein.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar
- Genres: industrial metal and Neue Deutsche Härte
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