How a metal band whose lyrics are all in German, who aren't played on the radio and whose only North American hit was in 1998 - is able to sell out Rexall Place may be a mystery to those who didn't attend their Edmonton show May 13th.

There were many factors.  Rammstein's first North American tour in a decade, with only 9 dates, ensured that people travelled to see the show. Despite the language barrier, the band's live show is legendary. Their most recent album Liebe ist fur alle da(Love is there for all) was briefly banned for sale to minors in Germany.

The show's energy is captured in the charisma of singer Till Lindermann as well as Christian "Flake" Lorenz, the keyboardist who spent the entire show walking on a treadmill and later crowdsurfed on a rubber dinghy. Lindermann's intensity transmits to the crowd as he literally pounded his fist on his leg and thrashed around.

Gimmicks were plenty, including exploding babies and lots and lots of pyro. The song Pussy features the lyrics "You have a pussy. I have a dick. So what's the problem? Let's do it quick." and included Lindermann using a large, pink phallic cannon that sprayed foam over the audience. He also used a flamethrower to set a crew member on fire.

The hype was met - Rammstein's over the top theatrics worked and made for a very impressive stage show. The final imagery, of Linderman with massive metal wings that shot flames and lit up, was a powerful finale.

Rammstein won't be for everyone, but for the 13,000 that packed Rexall Place, it was everything they hoped for and more.