10 Greatest Shock Rock Acts

Come for the show, stay for the music.

Marilyn Manson Tainted Love
WhatCulture

Music is first and foremost an auditory experience. Rather than poetry or literature, music is something that has to be heard in order to retain the full experience.

But for some artists, music is just one facet of their artistic selves. Over the years, bands have come to the forefront with intense aesthetic aids to enhance their musical sounds. These bands helped invent what became known as "shock rock." While glam rock had a similar style, shock rock as a genre is something that goes for the throat a bit more. The theatrics that were originally meant to be gimmicks now became central parts of these performances.

Starting in the late 60's, bands were coming forward with different ways to terrify and appall their audience. This eventually led to agencies like the PMRC trying to silence these acts with parental advisories, which backfired spectacularly as their disapproval became a form of unpaid advertising.

In these band's cases, while fame and adulation are certainly good merits, often notoriety can be an even greater feat. Here are the greatest acts that delightfully traumatized us with each release.

10. Rammstein

When Rammstein started making waves at the turn of the century, their industrial sound had already been going strong for years. The way these German headbangers subverted expectations came purely through their execution and promotion.

Their videos from their early period stand up as some of the most controversial videos ever put to tape in the 2000's. From the ominous terror behind "Du Hast" to "Mein Teil's" glorification of cannibalism, the band knew how to get your attention in an instant. The band gained even more headlines when they released one of their latest videos exclusively on a porn website.

In addition to the videos, their live shows are absolutely nuts, which involve everything from fire cannons to sexual simulation. Even the keyboardist has been known to run on a treadmill during the show's duration.

As much as the violent and sexual imagery plays a part in the live show, there is also a tongue-in-cheek humor in the way the band presents its antics. These shows seem to simulate the true definition of excess, with frontman Till Lindemann serving as the ringmaster in this fabulously disturbed metal circus. After 2 decades, the band is still going strong and are as incendiary as ever.

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I'm just a junkie for all things media. Whether it's music, movies, TV, or just other reviews, I absolutely adore this stuff. But music was my first love, and I love having the opportunity to share it with you good people. Follow Me On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/timcoffman97