“Iron Maiden Reveal How Rammstein’s Groundbreaking Style Inspired the Mind-Blowing Visuals of ‘The Writing On The Wall’ Video”
Iron Maiden, the legendary British heavy metal band, has once again captured the attention of fans worldwide—not just with their music, but with their groundbreaking visuals. Their latest music video for “The Writing On The Wall” has left audiences stunned, not only for its cinematic storytelling but also for its intricate design, animation, and immersive atmosphere. In a recent interview, members of Iron Maiden opened up about the creative process behind the video, revealing a surprising and intriguing source of inspiration: none other than Germany’s industrial metal giants, Rammstein.
The connection may seem unexpected at first. Iron Maiden and Rammstein, while both towering figures in the metal world, have very distinct sounds and artistic approaches. Iron Maiden has long been celebrated for their soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and storytelling prowess, weaving epic tales of history, mythology, and literature into their music. Rammstein, on the other hand, is renowned for their aggressive, industrial sound and visually explosive performances, often pushing boundaries with pyrotechnics, provocative imagery, and intense theatricality. Despite these differences, Iron Maiden’s team found themselves captivated by Rammstein’s audacious creativity, particularly in the way the German band integrates visuals with music to create a wholly immersive experience.
According to Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden’s iconic frontman, the band had been exploring ways to elevate their visual storytelling to match the cinematic quality of their latest song. “We’ve always been storytellers,” Dickinson explains, “but with ‘The Writing On The Wall,’ we wanted the video to feel like a journey, something that pulls the viewer into another world. When we looked at Rammstein’s work, it was impossible not to be inspired by how they take music videos and performances to a completely different dimension. The sheer ambition, the scale, the boldness—it was exactly the kind of energy we wanted to channel.”
Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden’s longtime guitarist, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the technical and artistic lessons they drew from Rammstein. “It’s not about copying anyone,” Smith clarifies. “It’s about understanding how they use visuals to amplify their music. The attention to detail, the choreography between sound and imagery, the willingness to take risks—all of that informed how we approached our own video. We wanted something that was epic, yet intimate; grand in scale, yet precise in execution.”
The influence of Rammstein is most evident in the video’s use of dramatic, high-contrast imagery and darkly fantastical elements. “The Writing On The Wall” features sequences that combine elaborate animation, surreal landscapes, and symbolic storytelling, creating a sense of awe and tension reminiscent of Rammstein’s most iconic visuals. Iron Maiden worked closely with a team of animators, visual artists, and directors to craft a narrative that could stand alongside the power of their music, ensuring that every frame contributed meaningfully to the story.
Beyond the visuals, the band also cited Rammstein’s fearless approach to artistic risk as a key inspiration. Rammstein has built a reputation for challenging norms and defying expectations, often courting controversy while remaining uncompromisingly true to their vision. Iron Maiden saw in this a model for pushing the boundaries of what a music video could be, encouraging them to experiment with bold storytelling techniques and abstract visual metaphors. “It’s about having the courage to do something different,” Dickinson says. “We wanted fans to watch the video and feel that same thrill of unpredictability and excitement that you get from a Rammstein performance, but in our own Iron Maiden way.”
Collaboration played a central role in translating this inspiration into reality. Iron Maiden worked with longtime creative partners, but also brought in new talent skilled in animation, CGI, and cinematic storytelling. The production process was extensive and meticulous, spanning several months of pre-visualization, storyboarding, and technical experimentation. The team explored countless visual motifs, from apocalyptic landscapes to symbolic imagery drawn from the song’s lyrical themes, carefully balancing the need for spectacle with the desire for narrative coherence.
One notable feature of the video is its dynamic interplay between music and imagery, a hallmark of Rammstein’s influence. Every note, drum hit, and guitar riff is synchronized with visual cues, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that enhances the emotional impact of the song. This approach required precise timing, innovative animation techniques, and a deep understanding of the song’s structure and mood. The result is a video that feels alive, breathing with the energy of the music itself, and inviting viewers to experience the song on multiple sensory levels.
Fans and critics have praised the video as one of Iron Maiden’s most ambitious visual projects to date. Social media erupted with admiration for the intricate artistry, the attention to detail, and the cinematic quality of the production. Many noted that while the video pays homage to Rammstein’s influence, it unmistakably retains the band’s signature identity, blending epic storytelling with the rich musical textures and thematic depth that have defined Iron Maiden for decades.
The reception of “The Writing On The Wall” video also highlights a broader trend in the music industry: the increasing importance of visual storytelling as an integral part of an artist’s creative expression. In a world dominated by streaming platforms, social media, and instant visual consumption, music videos are no longer just promotional tools—they are opportunities to extend the narrative, deepen emotional engagement, and create a lasting impression on audiences. By drawing inspiration from Rammstein’s fearless visual experimentation, Iron Maiden has demonstrated a keen understanding of this evolving landscape and their commitment to staying at the forefront of artistic innovation.
Iron Maiden’s embrace of Rammstein’s influence is not a sign of following trends, but a testament to the band’s openness to inspiration and collaboration across genres and national boundaries. It underscores a willingness to learn, adapt, and innovate while maintaining the essence of what makes them unique. The band has shown that even legends can be inspired by other trailblazers, and that such cross-pollination can lead to remarkable creative achievements.
In reflecting on the video’s release, Dickinson expressed both pride and excitement. “It’s thrilling to see how fans are reacting to ‘The Writing On The Wall,’” he says. “We set out to create something that would captivate, challenge, and inspire, and seeing that happen is incredibly rewarding. Rammstein’s work gave us a spark, but what the team brought to life is pure Iron Maiden—a fusion of music, story, and visuals that we hope will resonate for years to come.”
As the video continues to gain views and spark discussion, it’s clear that Iron Maiden has once again set a high bar for what a music video can achieve. By channeling the daring creativity of Rammstein and blending it with their own epic musical identity, they have crafted an experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling. “The Writing On The Wall” is more than just a video—it’s a statement, a testament to the power of inspiration, and a reminder that even metal legends can be moved by the bold artistry of their peers.
In the end, Iron Maiden’s latest visual endeavor demonstrates that true artistry knows no boundaries. The dialogue between bands, styles, and cultures can lead to extraordinary innovation, as seen in this spectacular video. For fans of Iron Maiden, Rammstein, or simply the art of music videos, “The Writing On The Wall” offers a mesmerizing journey that proves the magic of metal is as much about what you see as what you hear. The video stands as a beacon of creative ambition, a celebration of musical storytelling, and an homage to the artists who inspire us to see the world differently—even through the lens of heavy metal.
