In Extremo

Biography

In Extremo are a popular German folk-metal band known for their medieval themes, instruments, and lyrics. Their music incorporates a standard heavy metal lineup of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, in addition to medieval folk instruments, primarily bagpipes. Their songs are both originals and traditionals, the latter often in medieval languages such as Latin or archaic dialects of German. Furthermore, the bandmembers dress in medieval fashion and present themselves under alias names. Founded in 1995 in Berlin and formed over the course of the next two years, the band is comprised of Das Letzte Einhorn (born Michael Robert Rhein; vocals), Der Lange (Sebastian Oliver Lange; guitar), Die Lutter (Kay Lutter; bass), Der Morgenstern (Reiner Morgenstern; drums), Dr. Pymonte (André Strugala; bagpipes), Flex der Biegsame (Marco Ernst-Felix Zorzytzky; bagpipes), and Yellow Pfeiffer (Boris Pfeiffer; bagpipes); former members include Die Rote Füchsin (Conny Fuchs; bagpipes; 1995-1996), Thomas der Münzer (Thomas Mund; guitar; 1995-1999), and Sen Pusterbalg (bagpipes; 1995-1997). In Extremo made their recording debut in 1997 with the five-track single Der Galgen, followed by the full-length album debut Gold (aka In Extremo Gold; reissued with bonus tracks in 2006). Subsequent albums include Hameln (1998), Weckt die Toten! (1998), Die Verrückten Sind in der Stadt (1998), Verehrt und Angespien (1999), Sünder Ohne Zügel (2001), Live 2002 (2002), 7 (2003), Mein Rasend Herz (2005), Raue Spree 2005 (2006), Kein Blick Zurück (2006), and Sängerkrieg (2008). Among these album releases, 7, Mein Rasend Herz, and Raue Spree 2005 were Top Five hits on the German albums chart. The band also scored a series of modestly successful hit singles, most notably the Top 40 hits "Küss Mich" (2003) and "Nur Ihr Allein" (2005). ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide