We like Rammstein more than a little bit here at Nine Circles. So when folks in the band start pursuing other projects, we take note—particularly when one of said other projects involves vocalist Till Lindemann teaming up with Hypocrisy mastermind Peter Tägtgren. That’s what we’ve got here with Lindemann, who’ll be releasing their debut album, Skills in Pills, later this month. To whet our appetites, the duo have released a promo video for “Praise Abort.” It’s all kinds of messed up—which, to be fair, is kind of what you’d expect.

We open with a distorted feed of Lindemann’s mouth telling us, among other things, that he likes to fuck. It’s a 15-second intro that has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the video, yet winds up being the least ridiculous thing about it by some distance.

From there…things get weird. Lindemann begins dancing around in all-white formalwear and a Pharrell hat while Tägtgren sits at a piano and pretends to play. Then all of a sudden, Lindemann transforms into what looks like some sort of demon with bloodstained hands, and starts rolling around on said piano. Sure, why not? It’s a nice appetite-whetter for the duo’s later transformations into a six-breasted pig woman and her abusive, ‘do-rag sporting lover. (And oh yes, that happens.) A trip to pig heaven and some sort of human sacrifice later, we come to a jazzy outro and wrap things up. It’s the kind of thing I expect Till dreams about on a nightly basis.

Sound nonsensical? Yep, that’s pretty much what we’re working with here. I’m glossing things over, but ultimately, missing a few little details isn’t the end of the world. This video was never going to be about the little details; it’s all about Till doing Till and going for total shock value, which he achieves in spades. The dude’s a pro at disturbing imagery—watch literally any Rammstein video if you need proof. And like his main band at their best, “Praise Abort” ends up being pretty catchy, making the visual nightmare all worthwhile.

Keep it heavy,
Dan