Germany’s folk metal unit Feuerschwanz have unveiled their twelfth studio album, Knightclub, out now via Napalm Records. Known for their chaotic, high-energy performances, whether bringing vikings, theatrics, or sheer madness to the stage (as seen during their standout sets at 70000tons of Metal in 2023), the band channels that same spirit into their recordings. Knightclub continues their fearless next chapter. Featuring a collaboration with the Queen of Metal, Doro, on the track “Valhalla,” proving there’s no slowing their evolving craft. Metal Insider caught up with Ben Metzner (aka Prinz R. Hodenherz III) for a track-by-track guide to the new album.
KNIGHTCLUB
The spearhead of the album—we wanted to sum up our work of the last 20 years and showcase how well metal and folk can come together to hammer a melody into your brain as mercilessly as possible. Lyrically, it’s once again about classic helmeted knights clad in steel!
VALHALLA
In this song, we pay homage to Manowar’s “Warriors of the World” – except that for us it’s not just about “brothers everywhere,” but about
EVERYONE!
Heavy guitars, medieval-inspired melodies, and DORO’s rocking voice add to the mix.
GANGNAM STYLE
What is the last song on earth that a folk metal band should cover? Gangnam Style! That’s exactly why we dared to cover the song and had a lot of fun doing it!
NAME DER ROSE
Umberto Eco’s masterpiece was the inspiration for the song of the same name. For us, the love story between Adson and the nameless peasant girl takes center stage. Melancholic folk meets heavy guitars.
TESTAMENT
Brutal double bass attacks amplify the lyrical exploration of one’s own mortality. With this song, we write our own testament.
THE TALE OF SAM & SAM THE BRAVE
Our little Middle-earth tie-in on the album is about the true hero of the “Lord of the Rings” saga: Samwise the gardener and friend, giver of hope and savior in times of need. The lightness of the Shire—embodied by delicate flutes—meets the war machine of Mordor!
DRUNKEN DRAGON
At first glance, a pure drinking song set in a fantasy world—at second glance, the melancholic heaviness explores the ravages of alcoholism. Irish folk meets power metal in a wild ride at high speed.
EISENFAUST
Götz von Berlichingen – the notorious robber baron and Goethe’s drama of the same name inspired us to write this song. The famous quote “He can kiss my ass” stands as the middle finger attitude of Götz “Eisenfaust” (Iron Fist).
AVALON
The knights of the island of Avalon ride into battle – accompanied by stomping 80s riffs and epic melodies. And: finally, a real guitar solo again!
TANZ DER TEUFEL
Latin grooves go hand in hand with modern metal. Accompanied by a story from the time of the witch trials with a humorous twist.
LORDS OF FYRE
Two worlds collide – darkness meets fire, Lord Of The Lost meets Feuerschwanz – our anthem for our joint tour!
The new Feuerschwanz album, Knightclub, was released on August 22nd via Napalm Records. Order your copy here.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann
