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Jacob Hellner (born 19 March 1961) is a Swedish record producer, songwriter and composer. As a producer, he has worked with acts in the metal, rock, pop, hip hop and electronic genres.[1][2] Hellner is best known for his extensive collaboration with German metal band Rammstein, which saw him produce every album released by the band from Herzeleid (1995) to Paris (2017), and assisting in the production of albums from Rammstein members' side projects Emigrate and Lindemann.[2] He is currently a member of the project Bright & Black and was previously part of the Swedish production duo BomKrash together with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson.

Career

[edit]

Hellner began his musical career in 1986 and first worked at a San Francisco-based studio in the United States.[3][4][5] Prior to entering the music business, he worked as a teacher in computer technology and programs.[5] Hellner returned to Sweden in the late 1980s and started producing Swedish pop and hip hop acts. His international breakthrough came with the release of rap metal band Clawfinger's debut album, Deaf Dumb Blind, in 1993. The album's recognition led to an offer from the German label Motor Music to produce one of their bands, Rammstein.[5] Hellner was not immediately convinced to accept the offer after hearing the band's first demo, but changed his mind after seeing them perform live in Hamburg.[5] Upon meeting each other, Hellner and the band members learned that they were inspired by many of the same artists, including Pantera, Metallica, The Prodigy, Ministry and Depeche Mode.[6]

Rammstein's debut album, Herzeleid, was recorded in Stockholm at Polar Studios and Hellner's own studio BomKrash in the spring of 1995.[7] The studio sessions proved to be a struggle due to the cultural differences and language barriers, but Dutch engineer Ronald Prent was brought in by Hellner to serve as a middleman between the band and the producer.[7][8] Herzeleid faced a slow reception, but received a major popularity boost internationally in 1997 when two songs from the album were picked by director David Lynch for the soundtrack to his movie Lost Highway.[7][9] Despite the tensions during the making of their debut album, Rammstein asked Hellner to produce their second album and the following studio sessions in Malta proved to be a more relaxing process than their first collaboration.[5] Sehnsucht was released in 1997 and became a major international success, spearheaded by the singles "Engel" and "Du Hast", the latter being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1999.

During the making of Rammstein's third album, Mutter, conflicts within the band were at an all-time high and Hellner later stated that listening to the mastered album was one of the most satisfying moments of his career.[10][11] In 2006, Rammstein were nominated for a second Grammy Award for their single "Mein Teil" off their 2004 album Reise, Reise. During Rammstein's hiatus in 2006, Hellner co-produced the band's lead guitarist Richard Z. Kruspe's side project Emigrate and their debut album. In 2007, Hellner produced the Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica's album Worlds Collide, a collaboration he later called one of the highlights of his career.[5] Hellner was an executive producer on Dead by April's album Incomparable in 2011.[12] He contributed post-production on Till Lindemann's side-project Lindemann's debut album in 2015 and produced the Entombed-spinoff band Entombed A.D. the following year.

In 2017, Hellner and Rammstein parted ways after the release of the live album Paris, which had been in production for five years, and ended a partnership that had spanned a twenty three-year period and included six studio albums, three live albums and one greatest hits album.[13] Hellner stated that the split was amicable and later attended the release party for the band's seventh studio album.[13] Mixing engineer Ronald Prent, who worked on Rammstein's first three albums, later praised Hellner's role as a producer and his contribution to the band: "The band has great ideas, great riffs, and Till writes amazing lyrics and controls the German language like no other… but Jacob was the common denominator that brought it together into a song".[14] In 2018, Hellner composed the soundtrack for the Swedish television series Moscow Noir. During that same year, he formed the metal and classical project Bright & Black, featuring conductor Kristjan Järvi, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and Eicca Toppinen of Apocalyptica.[15] In a 2020 interview with Loudwire, Hellner stated that he had moved away from producing records due to dissatisfaction with the state of the music business and instead pursued other avenues of creativity.[16] In 2024, Bright & Black released their debut album, featuring contributions from Tomas Haake and Dick Lövgren of Meshugga, Opeth guitarist Fredrik Åkesson, Watain frontman Erik Danielsson and ex-Entombed member Nico Elgstrand.[15]

Discography

[edit]

Production and writing credits

[edit]
Year Artist Album Song(s) Notes
1987 Surf MC's Surf Or Die Mixer
The Cat Heads Hubba Producer, engineer
Meghan Meghan Engineer
1989 Toms Tivoli Fina Maskiner "Fina Maskiner" Mixer
1990 Svullo Ride On... Producer, recording engineer, mixer
1991 Just D Svenska Ord Producer, mixer
Stonecake Under The Biketree Producer
Hans Edström Laddad Producer, arrangements
1992 Stonecake ABBA - The Tribute "SOS" Producer
Just D Rock N Roll
1993 Clawfinger Deaf Dumb Blind
Papa Dee One Step Ahead Writer, producer, mixer
Fleshquartet Flow Producer
Stonecake Acoustic Toilets Producer, recording engineer
Just D Tre Amigos Mixer
1994 Peace, Love & Pitbulls Red Sonic Underwear Engineer
Papa Dee Original Master Writer, producer
1995 Rammstein Herzeleid Producer
Fistfunk Totalmassconfusion Producer, mixer
Clawfinger Use Your Brain Producer, engineer
Fistfunk Bob Your Head Producer
1996 Fleshquartet Fire Fire Producer, mixer
"Too Young To Die" Composer, arrangements
Papa Dee The Journey "Papa Do It Sweet" Producer, mixer
1997 Rammstein Sehnsucht Producer
– "Das Modell"
Monster Rockers Delight Producer, mixer
1998 Rammstein For The Masses "Stripped" Producer
1999 Live aus Berlin
2000 Superia – "Permission" Producer, mixer
2001 Rammstein Mutter Producer
Clawfinger A Whole Lot of Nothing
2002 Covenant Northern Light
2003 Clawfinger Zeros & Heroes "Four Letter Word", "Money Power Glory", "Blame"
Mustasch Ratsafari Producer, engineer
2004 Rammstein Reise, Reise Producer
2005 Rosenrot
2006 Enter The Hunt Become The Prey EP
For Life. 'Til Death. To Hell. With Love.
Rammstein Völkerball
2007 Covenant In Transit
Emigrate Emigrate Co-producer
Apocalyptica Worlds Collide Producer
2008 Backyard Babies Backyard Babies
2009 Takida The Darker Instinct
Rammstein Liebe ist für alle da
2010 Nicke Borg Homeland Chapter 1 Recording engineer, mixer
2011 Chapter 2 "Leaving Home" Producer
Rammstein Made in Germany 1995–2011 "Mein Land"
Dead by April Incomparable Executive producer
2012 Delain We Are the Others Composer, producer, mixer
2013 Viktor & The Blood Viktor & The Blood Producer
2015 Lindemann Skills in Pills Producer (Post-production)
Backyard Babies Four by Four Producer
2016 Entombed A.D. Dead Dawn "Down To Mars To Ride", "As The World Fell", "The Winner Has Lost"
2017 Rammstein Paris Producer, mixer
2019 Grand Magus Wolf God Mixer
Jacob Hellner Dirigenten / Moscow Noir (Original Television Soundtrack) Composer, producer
Entombed A.D. Bowels of Earth Producer
2024 Bright & Black The Album Composer, producer

Instrumental contributions

[edit]
Year Artist Album Song(s) Instrument
1989 Toms Tivoli Fina Maskiner "Fina Maskiner" Piano
1991 Hans Edström Laddad Guitar
1992 Just D Rock N Roll Performer
1995 Amen Silver "Electric", "Good Friends" Drum programming
1998 Sunglow "Good Friends"

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Echo Awards

Year Category Result
1999 Producer of the Year Nominated

Grammis Awards

Year Category Result
1993 Producer of the Year Nominated
1994 Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jacob Hellner

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from Grokipedia
Jacob Hellner (born 19 March 1961) is a Swedish , songwriter, and renowned for his contributions to the and rock genres, particularly his long-term collaboration with the German band . His production style emphasizes powerful, aggressive soundscapes that have defined the sonic identity of several prominent acts. Hellner's partnership with Rammstein began in 1995 when he produced their debut album, , after Rammstein contacted him in 1994, impressed by his work on Clawfinger's albums, and he attended one of their concerts before agreeing. He went on to produce nearly all of their subsequent studio and live albums up to Rammstein: Paris (2017), including landmark releases like (1997), Mutter (2001), and (2009), shaping the band's signature blend of heavy riffs, orchestral elements, and provocative themes. His involvement extended to remixing tracks such as "Du riechst so gut '98" and "," further cementing his influence on the group's early sound. Beyond , Hellner has worked extensively with Swedish band , producing their albums (1993) and Use Your Brain (1995), which helped establish the group's fusion of hip-hop rhythms and heavy metal aggression. He also collaborated with Finnish cello metal ensemble on Worlds Collide (2007), contributing to its mix of classical instrumentation and guest appearances by metal vocalists. Additional credits include production and songwriting for Emigrate (the side project of guitarist ) and production for band Delain's We Are the Others (2012). More recently, he co-founded the Bright & Black, releasing a self-titled album in 2024 that fuses metal with elements. Early in his career, Hellner partnered with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson under the production alias Bomkrash, focusing on rock and metal projects.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Jacob Hellner was born on March 19, 1961, in . Publicly available information on Hellner's family background and childhood remains limited, with no detailed accounts of his parents, siblings, or early home environment.

Professional training and initial career shift

Prior to pursuing a career in , Hellner had a background in around 1980, which involved early programming courses. In 1986, at age 25, he made the pivotal decision to shift toward production, driven by a passion for sound and recording. Hellner's professional training was largely self-directed, involving hands-on learning in recording studios in , where he began assisting after a friend who studied sound engineering abroad got a job there. He partnered with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson, who had trained at the College for Recording Arts in , to form the production duo Bomkrash. This informal education and collaboration laid the foundation for his technical skills in audio engineering and production. Upon starting in the industry, Hellner took on initial minor roles and apprenticeships in Swedish studios, applying his organizational skills from while learning from established engineers. These early opportunities marked the beginning of his transition into a full-time .

Professional career

Early productions in and abroad

Upon returning to in 1987 after several years working in the United States, including contributions to hip-hop crossover tracks like Timex Social Club's "Rumours" at Starlight Studio in , Jacob Hellner partnered with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson to form BomKrash Productions. This duo brought innovative American recording techniques, such as polished mixing and genre-blending approaches, to Swedish studios, influencing Hellner's initial local projects. Hellner's first major productions in Sweden began in 1989 with the pop/rock album Fina Maskiner by Toms Tivoli, released on Hawk Records, showcasing his ability to craft accessible, radio-friendly sounds for emerging acts. He followed this in 1990 with Svullo's Ride On... on , a pop/rock effort that highlighted his growing reputation in 's studio circuit. By 1991, Hellner expanded into hip-hop by producing Just D's debut album Svenska Ord on Telegram Records , blending Swedish lyrics with urban beats to help pioneer the genre domestically. That same year, he collaborated with rock band Stonecake on Under The Biketree via Wire Records, emphasizing raw guitar-driven energy in the competitive local rock scene. These early works reflected Hellner's U.S.-honed techniques, such as dynamic layering and crossover experimentation, which set his productions apart in Sweden's then-dominant pop landscape. In 1992, he continued with Just D's Rock N Roll on Telegram Records, further solidifying his role in hip-hop while navigating the challenges of a saturated market where international influences vied for attention against established domestic artists. Prior to his music career, Hellner had taught computer technology, a background that informed his adoption of emerging digital tools in production.

Breakthrough with Clawfinger

Jacob Hellner was recruited by MVG Records to co-produce Clawfinger's debut album , released on April 21, 1993, marking a significant step in his career within the emerging rap-metal genre. The Swedish-Norwegian band, formed in in 1990, had signed with the label after submitting demos that showcased their unique fusion of aggressive rap lyrics and heavy metal riffs, and Hellner's involvement helped refine this sound for commercial release. His production partnership with the band emphasized a raw, high-energy approach that captured Clawfinger's politically charged themes on , inequality, and social injustice. The recording process took place at Decibel Studios in , , where Hellner and focused on blending rap verses with metal choruses through innovative techniques, including extensive use of samples, loops, and programmed elements rather than conventional guitar amplification to achieve a thick, urban-infused heaviness. Tracks like and "The Truth" exemplified this hybrid style, with Hellner's decisions enhancing the rhythmic drive and sonic density that set the album apart in the early 1990s metal landscape. Mixing occurred at MVG Studios in , and mastering at , ensuring a polished yet final product that highlighted the band's multi-ethnic lineup and multilingual elements. Deaf Dumb Blind achieved substantial commercial success, selling over 600,000 copies worldwide, including more than 250,000 in alone, and earning Clawfinger a Swedish Grammis Award for Best Album in 1994. The album received critical acclaim from the Swedish press for its bold genre fusion and provocative content, with Hellner's production credited for providing the sonic framework that propelled its impact and helped establish rap-metal as a viable commercial force. Hellner solidified his reputation in heavy music through continued collaboration with in the 1990s, co-producing their second album Use Your Brain in 1995, which continued the rap-metal experimentation and charted successfully in . He also handled production on their self-titled in 1997, further honing the band's sound amid the nu-metal boom and attracting international attention that influenced subsequent acts in the genre.

Long-term collaboration with Rammstein

Jacob Hellner's collaboration with the German band began in 1994 when the group, impressed by his production work on Clawfinger's album , reached out to him for their debut record. The band had already developed a distinctive visual and sonic identity, and Hellner recognized their potential during an initial meeting, where they bonded over shared influences including Pantera's , Metallica's Black Album, The Prodigy's , Ministry's , and . This led to his selection as producer for (1995), recorded at Polar Studios in , where he co-produced with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson under the alias BomKrash. Over the next two decades, Hellner helmed production for Rammstein's subsequent studio albums, including Sehnsucht (1997), Mutter (2001), Reise, Reise (2004), Rosenrot (2005), and Liebe ist für alle da (2009). His work extended to the live album Rammstein: Paris (2017), captured during the band's 2012 Paris performances and taking five years to complete. Throughout this period, Hellner played a pivotal role in refining Rammstein's industrial metal aesthetics, emphasizing a machine-like precision through live tracking rather than heavy sampling. For Herzeleid, he crafted aggressive guitar tones by simultaneously recording analog Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amps and digital SansAmp units, layering up to eight tracks per riff, while using large-diaphragm condenser microphones like the Neumann U 67 with Neve preamps to achieve a "threatening" vocal and instrumental presence that avoided conventional rock setups. This approach evolved across albums, incorporating cross-panning for a dense wall-of-sound effect and integrating electronic elements to support the band's "Tanz-Metall" (dance metal) style, blending heavy riffs with rhythmic, club-ready grooves. Hellner's handling of live recordings, particularly for Paris, further showcased his expertise in capturing the band's pyrotechnic energy and sonic intensity on stage, resulting in a polished yet raw document of their performance aesthetic. The partnership concluded after Paris, marking the end of a 22-year tenure that spanned seven major releases. Hellner viewed the extended production of the live album as a potential finale, while sought a "new formula" and fresh working methods to evolve their creative process, with no reported hard feelings—Hellner even attended their 2019 untitled album release party. This shift reflected Rammstein's desire for innovation amid their maturing sound, allowing Hellner to pursue other projects while preserving the foundational industrial edge he helped define for .

Work with Apocalyptica and other acts

In 2007, Jacob Hellner produced 's fifth studio album, Worlds Collide, blending the band's signature cello-driven with guest vocalists and drummers to create a dynamic orchestral-metal sound. The album featured collaborations including of Slipknot on "I'm Not Jesus," of on a German cover of David Bowie's "Helden," and Slayer's on drums for tracks like "Last Hope," enhancing its crossover appeal and earning praise for Hellner's polished integration of classical elements with heavy rock aggression. Released on September 14, 2007, via , the record marked a commercial peak for Apocalyptica, reaching number 8 on the Finnish Albums Chart and number 10 on the German Albums Chart, with Hellner's production credited for its tight, cinematic execution that elevated the band's global profile. Hellner's versatility extended to side projects of Rammstein members, leveraging his long-term collaboration with the band as a key credential for these opportunities. He co-produced Emigrate's self-titled debut album in 2007, led by guitarist , delivering an industrial rock edge with electronic undertones. In 2014, he produced Emigrate's Silent So Long, incorporating guest appearances from actors like and to broaden its cinematic scope. For Lindemann's 2015 debut , featuring vocalist and Hypocrisy's , Hellner handled post-production, refining the album's provocative fused with electronic pop elements into a cohesive, radio-friendly yet boundary-pushing release that debuted at number 1 in . In electronic music, Hellner produced Covenant's (2002), introducing external production polish to the synthpop act's futuristic beats and earning acclaim for its expansive, club-ready atmosphere. These projects underscored Hellner's impact on artists' careers by bridging metal's intensity with broader commercial viability, often resulting in chart success and critical nods for innovative .

Formation and launch of Bright & Black

Bright & Black was founded by Swedish record producer Jacob Hellner and artist manager Per Kviman as a collaborative project blending metal and classical music. The initiative partners with conductor and features performances by the 65-piece Baltic Sea Philharmonic orchestra, emphasizing original compositions tailored for symphonic interpretation. Hellner's vision for the project builds briefly on his earlier experience integrating orchestral elements in metal productions, such as with . At its core, Bright & Black explores the intersection of symphony orchestra and heavy metal, with Hellner serving as producer and co-composer alongside contributions from prominent metal artists. Key collaborators include guitarist Fredrik Åkesson of Opeth, who composed the track "Nidhugg," arranged by Hellner and bassist Nico Elgstrand of Entombed A.D. Other contributors encompass cellist Eicca Toppinen of Apocalyptica and drummer Tomas Haake of Meshuggah, creating a repertoire that reimagines metal structures through orchestral arrangements. The project's debut album, The Album, was released on , 2024, via self-release in CD, digital, and vinyl formats. Produced by Hellner at in , with additional recordings at Mono Mystudio, it showcases the full ensemble under Järvi's baton and includes orchestrations by Jonny Abraham. Preceding the album, the single "Nidhugg" was issued on November 16, 2023, accompanied by an AI-enhanced featuring Järvi and the . In October 2024, Bright & Black announced plans for a European tour commencing in May 2025, highlighting performances at prestigious venues across the continent. Due to unforeseen logistical challenges, most dates were ultimately cancelled, but the project proceeded with live shows in , , on May 16, 2025, and , , on May 17, 2025, demonstrating its sustained momentum as of November 2025. These concerts, featuring Toppinen as soloist alongside Järvi and the Nordic Pulse Orchestra, underscored the live viability of the orchestral-metal fusion.

Production style and influences

Key production techniques

Hellner's production approach emphasizes capturing a raw, aggressive sound, particularly in metal genres, through careful microphone selection and analog processing to evoke intensity and drama. For Rammstein's 1995 debut album , he favored large-diaphragm condenser microphones like the U 67, M 149, and U 47, paired with Neve preamps, to record guitars in a way that provided a "threatening vibe" distinct from conventional dynamic mics such as the or MD421. This setup contributed to the album's distorted, compressed wall-of-sound aesthetic, enhancing the music's dramatic edge. In achieving guitar tones, Hellner blended analog and digital elements from the outset, combining the warmth of a amp with the clarity of a SansAmp pedal, typically mixing them in a two-thirds to one-third ratio and cross-panning the signals to prevent phasing while building a massive, machine-like presence. He recorded 2 to 4 takes per , layering up to 8 tracks total, but avoided copy-pasting performances to retain subtle human variations that simulated a sampled yet authentically played feel, as in the choruses of key tracks. Across Rammstein's albums, drums were captured using close-miking techniques combined with room and overhead microphones, with limited use of samples to reinforce natural resonance and maintain organic aggression, as seen in the multi-channel setups for tracks like "" from 2009. Hellner's studio routines prioritize extensive pre-production and , which he describes as the most critical phase in developing 's material, ensuring tight arrangements and performance cohesion before entering the recording space. This methodical preparation, often conducted in rehearsal rooms, allows for refinement of riffs and dynamics, minimizing on-the-spot adjustments during tracking. Over time, his methods evolved into hybrid workflows by the , incorporating digital tools like DAWs for layering while retaining analog warmth for core elements, as evident in the meticulous multi-track drum processing on later tracks like "." For genre-blending projects, Hellner's techniques in Apocalyptica's Worlds Collide (2007) involved integrating orchestral strings and cellos with metal structures by emphasizing rhythmic interplay between riffs, drums, and classical arrangements, achieved through balanced mixing that allowed acoustic and electric elements to "communicate" without overpowering each other.

Musical influences and philosophy

Jacob Hellner's musical influences draw heavily from the raw energy of 1980s industrial and punk scenes, as well as the aggressive edge of U.S. rock producers and Swedish metal traditions. He has cited Ministry's Psalm 69 as a key inspiration for its industrial grit, alongside punk's unpolished aggression, which shaped his approach to capturing intense, live-feeling recordings. Similarly, works like Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power and Metallica's Black Album influenced his emphasis on powerful, riff-driven sounds, while Swedish metal elements informed his grounding in heavy, melodic structures during early productions. Central to Hellner's production philosophy is a commitment to authenticity and the preservation of a band's original vision, eschewing over-polished results in favor of organic performances. He prioritizes recording live takes with subtle variations—such as 2-4 passes per —to maintain a natural "wall-of-sound" texture, avoiding mechanical perfection like copy-pasting to ensure the music feels human and immediate. This approach stems from his belief that true artistic identity, or "what makes you you," is paramount, guiding his role as a rather than an overbearing shaper. In , Hellner empowers artists to experiment freely, providing constructive feedback during extended phases—often 1-2 years—to refine arrangements without imposing his own agenda. With acts like , this involved close partnership with guitarists and to balance analog warmth and digital edge, fostering an environment where the band's provocative ideas could evolve into cohesive tracks. His views underscore as a that honors the artist's intent, as seen in his insistence on natural drum sounds with minimal sample enhancements to retain an authentic, less mechanical feel. More recently, Hellner's work with Bright & Black reflects a shift toward orchestral , blending metal's intensity with symphonic depth to create reimagined sound worlds. This project, involving the Philharmonic, emphasizes dynamic reinterpretations of classical and modern elements, driven by his desire to explore emotional transportation through layered, cinematic arrangements. Through this, he seeks to infuse heavy music traditions with the grandeur of orchestral storytelling, marking an evolution in his pursuit of innovative, immersive experiences.

Discography and credits

Major album productions

Jacob Hellner's production career encompasses over 20 full-length albums across metal, rock, and pop genres, with his work emphasizing raw energy and innovative soundscapes in heavy music. His early breakthrough in the metal scene came through collaborations with . He produced the Swedish rap-metal band's debut album , released in 1993 by , capturing their aggressive fusion of hip-hop and heavy riffs. Hellner returned for their follow-up Use Your Brain in 1995, also on , refining the band's high-octane sound while maintaining its confrontational edge. These productions introduced Hellner to a broader audience and directly influenced his subsequent high-profile partnerships. Hellner's most extensive body of work is with the German band , for whom he served as producer on every release from their debut (1995, Motor Music) through the live album (2017, ). This includes studio albums such as (1997, Motor Music), Mutter (2001, Motor Music), (2004, Universal Music), (2005, Universal Music), and (2009, Universal Music), where he shaped the band's signature blend of orchestral elements, pyrotechnic theatrics, and pounding rhythms. For , a double live album documenting the band's 2010-2011 tour, Hellner acted as co-producer specifically for the live recordings, enhancing the raw concert atmosphere with polish. Beyond these cornerstone projects, Hellner produced Finnish cello metal ensemble Apocalyptica's Worlds Collide in 2007, released by GUN Records under , handling production for the majority of tracks and integrating guest vocalists like into their framework. More recently, he produced The Album by the orchestral-metal project Bright & Black in 2024, released by Bright & Black Music, blending symphony orchestra performances with metal influences conducted by .

Writing and composition contributions

Hellner's contributions to songwriting and composition began in the , encompassing pop and hip-hop acts alongside his work with rock and metal groups. For the Swedish hip-hop artist Papa Dee, he co-wrote the track "Ain't No Substitute" in 1992, blending influences with rap elements to create a commercial success that peaked at number six on the Swedish charts. Similarly, on Fleshquartet's 1996 album Fire Fire, Hellner composed and arranged the track "Too Young to Die," integrating strings and rock for a cinematic sound. These efforts marked his early foray into blending genres, often emphasizing melodic structures and atmospheric arrangements. He also contributed writing to Clawfinger's albums in the , including co-credits on tracks from Use Your Brain (1995), where his input shaped the rap-metal fusion. During his long-term collaboration with , Hellner provided arrangement support for their 1997 album . This role extended to orchestral elements in his work, particularly on Worlds Collide (2007). In more recent years, Hellner has focused on orchestral metal compositions through his project Bright & Black. On their 2024 album The Album, he served as co-composer and songwriter across multiple tracks, including co-writing "Nidhugg" (released 2023) with and Nico Elgstrand, which features sweeping string arrangements performed by the Baltic Sea Philharmonic. Other contributions include full composition credits on "From Dust and Mud" and co-writing on "Bloodgrind," emphasizing epic, film-score-inspired orchestration conducted by . These pieces highlight Hellner's philosophy of merging heavy metal riffs with classical elements, often drawing on mythological themes for conceptual depth.

Instrumental and additional roles

In addition to his primary production duties, Jacob Hellner occasionally contributed instrumental elements to recordings, particularly in the mid-1990s. On Rammstein's debut album (1995), Hellner collaborated with Christian "Flake" Lorenz to program additional keyboard parts during the mixing phase, helping to refine the band's industrial sound at in . These contributions were integral to layering the album's atmospheric textures, though they were supplementary to the band's core performances. Hellner also took on mixing and engineering responsibilities for several projects, often alongside engineer Stefan Glaumann. For the album Mutter (2001), he co-mixed the tracks after initial recordings in and , with mixing in , engaging in extended sessions with to balance the record's aggressive dynamics and orchestral elements. This role extended to refinements, ensuring the final sound aligned with Rammstein's vision of raw intensity. In the 2010s, Hellner provided specialized support for Till Lindemann's solo project. On the debut album (2015), he handled post-production duties, including editing and finalizing the mixes after primary production by , which helped polish the album's blend of and electronic elements. Beyond studio work, Hellner contributed to live documentation from 's tours. For the 2017 live release , captured during the band's 2016 performances at AccorHotels Arena, he served as audio producer and co-mixer, overseeing the capture and enhancement of the concert's pyrotechnic-laden sound to translate energy to recorded format. This involvement marked one of his final collaborations with the band before parting ways in 2019.

Awards and recognition

Grammis Awards

The Grammis Awards, established in 1969, are Sweden's oldest and most prestigious music honors, equivalent to the international , and are organized by IFPI Sverige to celebrate excellence in artistic and technical achievements across the Swedish music industry. These awards underscore the industry's commitment to quality, creativity, and diversity, with categories evolving over time to reflect changes in music production and genres. Jacob Hellner earned his first nomination in 1993 for Producer of the Year, recognizing his emerging contributions to Swedish rock and metal productions. The album by , released that year, achieved critical acclaim and commercial breakthrough for the band, blending rap and metal in a style that resonated widely in . In 1994, Hellner won the Producer of the Year award, sharing the honor with Carl-Michael Herlöfsson, in large part due to the sustained success of , which solidified his reputation for crafting impactful, genre-fusing sounds. This victory highlighted his role in elevating Swedish acts to international attention during the early metal scene. No further Producer of the Year nominations or wins for Hellner appear in records from the late 1990s or 2000s, despite his ongoing collaborations with global acts like .

International accolades

Jacob Hellner's production work with international acts, particularly , has garnered significant recognition beyond , contributing to his stature as a key figure in global metal music production. His long-term collaboration with the German band, spanning multiple albums, has been highlighted in retrospective interviews that underscore his influence on their industrial sound. For instance, in a 2020 feature, Hellner discussed the creation of 's debut album , crediting his production choices for defining the band's aggressive, orchestral aesthetic. This acclaim extended to educational platforms, affirming his expertise on an international stage. In 2017, Hellner delivered a masterclass at the SAE Institute in , where he broke down the production of Rammstein's , sharing insights into mixing techniques and band dynamics for aspiring producers. The event, hosted by the renowned audio engineering institution, reflected his growing reputation as a mentor in the field. Further recognition came through media profiles in , amid 's continued global success. In an interview with , Hellner reflected on producing the band's breakthrough single "," noting how his hands-on approach helped craft its iconic tension and release, solidifying his role in their international breakthrough. These discussions, building on his earlier domestic successes, illustrate the enduring impact of his work in elevating to worldwide prominence.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/67152-Jacob-Hellner
  2. https://loudwire.com/rammstein-producer-absence-untitled-album/
  3. https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/artist/Jacob_Hellner/3653
  4. https://rammwiki.net/wiki/Jacob_Hellner
  5. https://genius.com/artists/Jacob-hellner
  6. https://www.discogs.com/release/5212674-Delain-We-Are-The-Others
  7. https://brightandblack.com/
  8. https://herzeleid25.rammsteinworld.com/en/interviews
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm9lnlKyhSs
  10. https://www.reddit.com/r/Rammstein/comments/1diud3d/jacob_hellner_interview_from_2020/
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/119567-Just-D-Svenska-Ord
  12. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/e1d15295-8531-3a0b-a447-e18017b43797
  13. https://www.discogs.com/artist/67153-Clawfinger
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/369994-Clawfinger-Deaf-Dumb-Blind
  15. https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/128346
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/28064-Clawfinger-Use-Your-Brain
  17. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/rammstein-producer-jacob-hellner-details-the-making-of-the-industrial-metal-icons-1995-debut-herzeleid
  18. https://herzeleid25.rammsteinworld.com/en/discography
  19. https://online.ucpress.edu/jpms/article/33/2/51/117117/The-Politics-of-Rammstein-s-SoundDecoding-a
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/1232954-Apocalyptica-Worlds-Collide
  21. https://blabbermouth.net/news/apocalyptica-new-album-title-release-date-revealed
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/24626021-Lindemann-Skills-In-Pills
  23. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/lindemann-skills-in-pills
  24. https://louderthanwar.com/bright-black-the-album-album-review/
  25. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2H5PSnixSY/
  26. https://kronosmortusnews.com/2024/01/27/bright-black-symphony-orchestra-meets-metal-the-album-out-now/
  27. https://www.grimmgent.com/bright-black-release-first-single-video-nidhugg-unveiling-a-first-glimpse-of-the-project-where-symphony-orchestra-meets-metal/
  28. https://rocknloadmag.com/orchestral-heavy-metal-project-bright-and-black-announce-debut-album/
  29. https://v13.net/2024/10/bright-black-announce-may-2025-european-tour/
  30. https://finlandiatalo.fi/en/events/bright-black-live-2025/
  31. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343362013_The_Politics_of_Rammstein%27s_Sound_Decoding_a_Production_Aesthetic
  32. https://www.ordabai.com/apocalyptica
  33. https://www.facebook.com/saeamsterdam/videos/exclusive-interview-jacob-hellner-producer-rammstein/10155214575244451/
  34. https://napalmrecords.com/english/bright-and-black-toppinen-jarvi-baltic-sea-philharmonic-digipak-cd.html
  35. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/178660-jacob-hellner/
  36. https://www.discogs.com/master/28037-Clawfinger-Deaf-Dumb-Blind
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/2270513-Apocalyptica-Worlds-Collide
  38. https://www.discogs.com/master/104609-Papa-Dee-Aint-No-Substitute
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/103091-Fleshquartet-Fire-Fire
  40. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/jacob-hellner/credits
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/20080849-Rammstein-Sehnsucht
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/6763012-Apocalyptica-Worlds-Collide
  43. https://music.apple.com/us/song/nidhugg-feat-baltic-sea-philharmonic/1714339774
  44. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/bright-and-black/the-album/
  45. https://herzeleid25.rammsteinworld.com/en/interviews#interview-with-ronald-prent
  46. https://www.loudersound.com/features/rammstein-mutter-story-behind-the-album
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/7143854-Lindemann-Skills-In-Pills
  48. https://www.discogs.com/master/1181415-Rammstein-Paris
  49. https://grammis.se/om-grammis/
  50. https://grammis.se/blog/arets-producent-1993/
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/2778603-Clawfinger-Deaf-Dumb-Blind
  52. https://grammis.se/blog/arets-producent-1994/
  53. https://grammis.se/om-grammis/grammisvinnare-genom-aren/
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzngdYzCNkA
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