TEST: ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL

 The ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL is a signature electric guitar built by the Asian manufacturer for Rammstein guitarist Richard Kruspe.

The conception of the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL

Well, if you currently hear the band name Rammstein, you are confronted with all sorts of things, although in this case the smallest amount of coverage can be attributed to their music. Who did what, how and where has no place in a music magazine anyway, but at least guitarist Richard Kruspe seems to emerge from the whole mess relatively unscathed. In this respect, you can actually concentrate more on the musical aspect with him than joining in the mudslinging that is blatantly presented in the media.

Kruspe has been working with the ESP company for many years, with his two signature models belonging to the E-II series and all made in Japan. After I unpacked the guitar, a storm of thoughts came over me. I had seen this guitar shape somewhere before, but for the life of me I couldn't remember where it was. After a few hours of thinking, I remembered that I had seen Johnny Ramone of the punk band The Ramones with a similar guitar before, or in this case the original.

It is a Mosrite Ventures II guitar, which is quite unique with the characteristic shape in which the lower wooden horn is slightly longer than the upper one. I am relatively sure that this is not an oversight, but that Richard Kruspe took exactly this guitar shape, because on the one hand it is aesthetic, but on the other hand it is so unique that it is not the hundred thousandth copy of the famous Strat, Paula or other shapes .

The optics

However, before we go into the technical details, we must briefly look at the optics of the instrument. It's relatively clear that with a provocative band like Rammstein you can't expect a sunburst finish with a 5-fold A maple top. However, what ESP visually pulls off here is a unique selling point. Not only does the provocative mix of suggested barbed wire with bloody scars and burnt surface leave a clear impression, the whole thing is also designed in three dimensions, so that the bloody scars can actually be felt when you run your finger over them.

For my part, I think the instrument is very suitable for a band of this genre. However, it remains questionable whether the instrument will be used in any form in a cover band. However, this guitar is an absolute must for a Rammstein tribute band.

However, I find the use of a transparent pickguard funny in a certain way. Just keep in mind that the entire instrument is designed to look burned, mutilated, scratched or scarred, but is then protected with a pickguard so that the pick does not scratch the finish. However, you have to say that if you view the guitar as a work of art, the use of the pickguard is understandable.

The task of the vibrato system of the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL

Another special feature of the instrument is the use of the neck-body construction. The instrument has a three-piece neck made of maple, while the glued wing parts are made of alder. The construction itself is one of the famous sustain monsters that often occurs with a continuous neck, i.e. the vibration behavior is excellent and allows the individual tone to resonate for an extremely long time.

Interestingly, Richard Kruspe uses a Floyd Rose vibrato system on his guitar, which is known to reduce the sustain a little. Nevertheless, despite the vibrato system, this instrument has a very strong sustain component. The real unusual thing, however, is the fact that Richard Kruspe hardly uses the Floyd Rose vibrato system at all, but he firmly believes that the combination of the through-neck with a Floyd Rose system is a large part of his sound, This means that the vibrato system is not on the guitar to generate corresponding vibrati or dive bombs, but rather it is exclusively part of the vibration behavior of the guitar. I admit, I've never heard this aspect before in my life, but whatever, Signature is Signature!

With a weight of just over 4 kg, the instrument can be classified in the “men's guitar” range not only visually but also in terms of weight. In general, the instrument gives a “powerful” impression, so handling it accordingly shouldn’t pose any problems. The neck profile, known as “Thin U”, offers good mass and creates a good middle ground between “stick out of the bag” and Ibanez RG profile. The instrument also has a long scale length of 647 mm and has 24 X jumbo frets.

In terms of hardware, the Floyd Rose Vibrato system is used, along with the corresponding clamp saddle. As a result, the tuners only have the function of bringing the sides to a certain basic tension. In this case, clamping mechanisms were omitted, which would make no sense at all in this design. Instead, six smaller versions of Gotoh mechanics are used, which, as expected, run perfectly and smoothly.

I know it's just a small thing, but I can't help it, I love perfect detailed solutions. In this case it is the cover of the 9 volt battery on the back of the body of the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL. The cover, which at first glance gives the impression that it needs to be loosened with two small Phillips screws, turns out to be a rotating mechanism in which you unscrew the battery from the body by lightly pressing on the lower side of the cover. This makes changing the battery extremely quick. The whole thing is very well encapsulated and the detailed solution is a real pleasure. Something like this always seems to only come from Japan.

The sound

If you want to describe Rammstein's guitar sound, you actually only have one word to choose from. Gain! The aim is to get as much gain as possible on the guitar and still make it appear as transparent as possible. There are basically only two manufacturers in the pickup sector for this type of sound creation. On the one hand, the classics from EMG, which have dominated the market for a long time for almost 40 years, and the upstart Fishman, which intervened in this market a few years ago with its Fluence series. Kruspe, who used EMG until a few years ago, is now working with a signature setup from Fishman, consisting of Fishman Fluence Richard Z Signature Modern Alnico Metallic Red on the neck and Fishman Fluence Richard Z Signature Modern Ceramic Metallic Red on the bridge.

As is usual with Fishman, both pickups have two voicing circuits, which can be selected by pulling the volume control. Otherwise there is a three-way switch for control technology. That's it. A tone control would really be out of place at Rammstein.

As expected, when played dry, the instrument leaves a very good impression. The swimming behavior is excellent, especially since ESP has built a stabilizer into the Floyd Raw system, with which double bends can also be implemented without the tuning getting completely out of control due to side pulling. Unfortunately, the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL also has the problem of the so-called neck spiral effect, i.e. the two springs that are drawn into the instrument behave like the neck spiral of a combo amplifier. The springs vibrate and blur the accentuated sound of the guitar. A layer of foam would work wonders here and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to play anything with palm muting. And when you play Rammstein songs, you actually don't play anything without palm muting.

As expected, the sound of the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL is primarily designed for high gain and even more high gain. This can be seen, among other things, in the fact that even with the minimum gain setting in the clean range, it is actually not possible to get a real clean sound out of the guitar, unless you use some kind of compressor to increase the input impulse on the amp to keep as low as possible. However, when it comes to distorted sounds, the instrument can show its absolute strength. The sound in the combination of wood and pickup remains comparatively transparent even at the highest level of distortion and offers very good vibration behavior due to the components used.

Conclusion

With the ESP E-II RZK-I Burnt FL, the Asian manufacturer has an uncompromising instrument in its portfolio, both visually and acoustically. A must for every Rammstein tribute band, an option for every hard’n’heavy band.

The workmanship is top notch, the optics are polarizing, just as the Rammstein image dictates.

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Additional Informations:

Rammstein, one of the most iconic industrial metal bands, originated in Berlin, Germany, in 1994. The formation of the band is intricately linked with the East German punk and underground rock scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, post-reunification. The band's members, Till Lindemann (vocals), Richard Z. Kruspe (lead guitar), Paul Landers (rhythm guitar), Oliver Riedel (bass), Christoph Schneider (drums), and Christian "Flake" Lorenz (keyboards), came together from various bands that were part of the East Berlin music scene.

Richard Kruspe, originally from Schwerin in East Germany, was instrumental in the band's creation. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Kruspe moved to Berlin, where he experienced a vibrant, burgeoning music scene that was undergoing significant change. In Berlin, he joined the band Orgasm Death Gimmick. However, he felt constrained by the musical direction and wanted to explore a heavier and more powerful sound.

In 1993, Kruspe teamed up with Till Lindemann, who was then a drummer in the punk band First Arsch, and they began working on music together. This collaboration marked the genesis of what would become Rammstein. Kruspe's vision was to create music that was both intense and theatrical, drawing from his experiences and inspirations in heavy metal and industrial music.

#### The Band Comes Together

Kruspe, Lindemann, and bassist Oliver Riedel, who was playing in the band The Inchtabokatables at the time, decided to form a new band. They were soon joined by drummer Christoph Schneider, from Die Firma. The initial lineup was almost complete, but it needed a final touch to distinguish their sound. Paul Landers, a guitarist from the East Berlin punk band Feeling B, and keyboardist Christian "Flake" Lorenz, also from Feeling B, were the final pieces. The chemistry between the members was immediate, and they quickly found a unique sound that combined heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, and dramatic, often controversial lyrics.

The band's name, Rammstein, was derived from the German town of Ramstein-Miesenbach, the site of a tragic air show disaster in 1988 that left 70 people dead. The name also includes a double 'm' to distinguish themselves from the town and to give it a more forceful, powerful sound. The term "Rammstein" literally translates to "battering ram," which aptly describes their aggressive musical style.

#### Early Recordings and Breakthrough

Rammstein's early demos were recorded with a raw, aggressive sound that caught the attention of Paul H. Landers' former bandmate, Jacob Hellner, who became their producer. In 1994, they won a contest in Berlin for amateur bands, which secured them a professional recording session. This led to the creation of their first album, *Herzeleid*, released in 1995. The album cover, featuring the band members bare-chested, was intended to evoke the image of muscular, powerful men. However, it also sparked controversy, as some interpreted it as having nationalist and militaristic connotations.

Despite mixed reviews, *Herzeleid* began to build Rammstein's reputation in Germany. Their music videos for tracks like "Du riechst so gut" and "Seemann" received significant airplay on German music channels. Their live performances, marked by pyrotechnics, theatricality, and Lindemann's deep, distinctive voice, started to draw a dedicated fanbase.

#### International Success and *Sehnsucht*

Rammstein's international breakthrough came with their second album, *Sehnsucht*, released in 1997. The album featured hits like "Engel" and "Du hast," which garnered significant attention outside Germany. "Du hast," in particular, became a massive hit, thanks to its aggressive, catchy hook and a visually striking music video. The song's success was bolstered by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film *The Matrix* (1999), which exposed the band to a global audience.

*Sehnsucht* achieved platinum status in several countries and marked the beginning of Rammstein's international tours. Their live shows became renowned for their spectacular pyrotechnics, elaborate stage setups, and Lindemann's charismatic performances. The band's willingness to incorporate controversial and provocative themes into their music and performances set them apart in the metal scene.

#### Continued Evolution and *Mutter*

The early 2000s saw Rammstein continuing to evolve musically. Their third album, *Mutter*, released in 2001, showcased a more polished sound and deeper, more complex themes. The album included tracks like "Sonne," "Ich will," and "Mutter," which became some of the band's most iconic songs. The success of *Mutter* solidified Rammstein's position as a major force in the global metal scene.

Rammstein's lyrical content often delves into dark, taboo, and controversial subjects, including politics, sexuality, and human psychology. This has led to criticism and censorship in some countries, but it has also fueled their mystique and appeal. The band's ability to blend heavy, industrial sounds with melodic hooks and thought-provoking lyrics has won them a diverse and dedicated fanbase.

#### Artistic Growth and *Reise, Reise*

In 2004, Rammstein released *Reise, Reise*, which continued their exploration of diverse musical styles and themes. The album featured the hit single "Mein Teil," inspired by the infamous Armin Meiwes cannibalism case in Germany. The song's graphic and controversial subject matter exemplified Rammstein's fearless approach to their art. Other notable tracks included "Amerika," a satirical take on American cultural imperialism, and "Keine Lust," which addressed themes of apathy and excess.

*Reise, Reise* received critical acclaim for its bold themes and innovative sound. The album's success further cemented Rammstein's reputation as pioneers of the industrial metal genre. Their subsequent tour featured even more elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnic displays, showcasing their commitment to delivering unforgettable live experiences.

#### Later Years and Ongoing Legacy

Rammstein continued to release successful albums throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, including *Rosenrot* (2005) and *Liebe ist für alle da* (2009). Each album saw the band pushing the boundaries of their music and stage performances. *Liebe ist für alle da* sparked controversy with its explicit content and provocative themes, leading to censorship in Germany. However, this only added to the band's notoriety and appeal.

In 2011, Rammstein released their first greatest hits album, *Made in Germany 1995–2011*, which included a new track, "Mein Land." The band embarked on a world tour to support the album, further solidifying their status as a global phenomenon.

The band took a hiatus from recording new music after the release of *Liebe ist für alle da*, focusing on their solo projects and personal lives. However, they returned with a self-titled album in 2019, which was their first studio album in a decade. The album was a critical and commercial success, proving that Rammstein remained a powerful force in the music industry.

#### Influence and Impact

Rammstein's influence extends beyond their music. They have played a significant role in bringing industrial metal to mainstream audiences and have inspired countless bands with their innovative sound and theatrical live shows. Their willingness to tackle controversial subjects and push the boundaries of artistic expression has earned them both praise and criticism, but it has undeniably solidified their place in music history.

The band's visual and performance artistry, particularly their use of pyrotechnics, has set a new standard for live concerts. Till Lindemann's commanding stage presence and the band's meticulous attention to detail in their performances have made them one of the most exciting live acts in the world.

#### Conclusion

Rammstein's journey from the underground punk scene of East Berlin to international stardom is a testament to their unique vision and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Over the decades, they have defied convention, courted controversy, and captivated audiences around the globe. Their music, characterized by its powerful blend of heavy metal and electronic elements, continues to resonate with fans old and new.

As Rammstein continues to evolve and create, their legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands in modern music remains firmly intact. Their story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a fearless commitment to pushing the boundaries of their art.