Drums • Rammstein
If Rammstein is a machine, then Christoph Schneider is the engine. He is the only band member who actually studied music before the fall of the Wall. His style is less playful, but incredibly precise and powerful. He delivers the foundation of “dance metal”: danceable grooves with the heaviness of heavy metal.
Christoph played in various bands, including the underground-relevant Die Firma. He was always the one who wanted to be the most technically proficient. His commitment to professionalism helped the band stay disciplined in the early years.
He chose his nickname “Doom” in the early days of the band because the computer game of the same name was extremely popular at the time, and he liked the sound of the word. He had to provide a secondary name for GEMA and spontaneously chose Doom.
Schneider is considered the most visually “normal,” yet also the most style-conscious member. Musically, he takes inspiration from role models like Phil Rudd (AC/DC) — he plays in service of the song, never to put himself in the spotlight. But when he unleashes, as in the intro of Sonne or Deutschland, the entire arena shakes.
Schneider plays massive drum kits with two bass drums to make the driving rhythm physically tangible. He often uses electronic triggers to layer the acoustic drum sound with samples, creating the typical industrial Rammstein sound.
Christoph is often described as the one who has remained the most grounded. In interviews, he appears thoughtful and calm. He is the rhythmic conscience of the band — without him, the entire show would fall apart.