Whenever Rammstein is talked about, it is impossible to ignore the German elements involved in the group's style and presentation. But for those of us who understand their overall message, nothing in the world can be sweeter.

There are only two weeks left before Richard Kruspe's birthday, and my mind is a complete blank as to what to write for him. This is a mystery to me, because you would think with him being the 'founding father' (and principal songwriter) of the group, he would be the easiest one to say something to on a blogspace (or a chat forum).

Herr Kruspe is a bit of an enigma, isn't he? On the surface of it he appears to be an individual who has achieved much success in his life (with Rammstein and his daughter, as two examples). And yet, if we scratch a little deeper, look a bit more closely into those crystalline eyes of his, we may glimpse a different scenario.