REVIEW: Feuerschwanz - Knightclub

Feuerschwanz are back, and swooping in with their new album Knightclub. All the way from Germany, they are a medieval rock and folk metal band known for blending heavy guitar riffs with traditional folk instruments like bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, and violins. Founded in 2004 in Erlangen, the group started with a humorous, satirical approach to medieval-inspired music, but over time have evolved into one of Germany’s most prominent folk metal acts.

Kicking things off with the opening song, the title track ‘Knightclub’ - a song that first drew wide attention during the Eurovision preliminaries. Brimming with playful nods to medieval legends and film references, it’s a high-energy piece with infectious choruses that set the pace for what follows. Swiftly moving onto ‘Valhalla’ bringing a powerful guest appearance from the legendary Doro from the band Warlock, heavy on the Viking-inspired violin melodies. The interplay of vocals adds extra weight, resulting in a rhythm-driven anthem. Sticking to the true Feuerschwanz tradition, the band once again delivers a cracking pop culture cover, this time taking on the global phenomenon ‘Gangnam Style’ - Metzner’s trademark screams electrify the verses, as Hauptmann’s commanding growls anchor the choruses, making the track both unexpected and irresistible. We love their commitment to extended to mastering another language for the performance, a testament to their dedication.

Charging through to channels the band’s signature medieval-rock essence, with thunderous drums at the forefront, vivid storytelling at its heart, and a searing guitar solo that ties the piece together. ’Testament’ delivers a textbook power metal punch, with thunderous double-kick drums laying down a relentless foundation that drives the song forward. The interplay between galloping rhythms and muscular chugging riffs creates a dynamic ebb and flow, ultimately culminating in a soaring, ascending guitar solo that feels like a triumphant finale.

‘The Tale of Sam’ unfolds like a narrated epic, channelling the feel of an audiobook as it recounts key moments from Tolkien’s legendarium. Without missing a beat, it transitions into ‘Sam the Brave’, a high-energy tribute that sweeps the listener into Middle-Earth itself. Driven by a fast tempo and layered with both traditional medieval instrumentation and razor-sharp metal riffage, it feels like a soundtrack to an adventure across rolling hills and battlefields. In contrast, ‘Drunken Dragon’ embraces light-hearted revelry, the kind of raucous drinking song for a festival crowd. Its catchy, upbeat rhythms practically beg for audience singalongs, making it one of the most interactive and playful moments on the album.

Back to their original sound ‘Eisenfaust’ sounding familiar for long-time fans, yet slightly different to keep new ideas. ‘Avalon’ shifts into heavier territory, carried by darker, grittier instrumentation that evokes the feel of a battle hymn. ‘Tanz der Teufel’ follows with a folkloric twist; its lyrics steeped in myth and devilish imagery. The track embraces the playful tension between folk storytelling and metal’s darker edge, resulting in an intense, cinematic soundscape. The album closes with ‘Lords of Fyre’, a fiery collaboration with Lord Of The Lost, this was a great choice of bands to collaborate with, it’s a grand finale designed for crowd participation - an anthem you can’t help but sing along to.

With Knightclub, Feuerschwanz once again prove why they stand at the forefront of modern folk metal. Blending their trademark mix of heavy riffs, medieval instrumentation, and playful storytelling, the album strikes a balance between humour, epic fantasy, and sheer musical power. An album that invites fans old and new to raise their voices and join the revelry.

Score: 8/10

Knightclub will be released on August 22nd via Napalm Records.

Words: Ciara Hicks-Evans

Photos: Feuerschwanz