Elyna Kahn
Feuerschwanz – Knightclub has been released. At first listen, this work instantly evokes the feeling of “when Metal came to the Shire.” It’s a masterful fusion of technical power, festive energy, honour, joy, mystery, humour, and elegance, all woven together with perfect balance. The sound echoes something you might have heard at Bilbo Baggins’ legendary 111th birthday party—celebration and joy turned into music.
Knightclub is a bewitching epic. From the very first notes, an intricate tapestry unfolds where folk, heavy, and power metal intertwine with touches of Progressive Metal, while the punch of Neue Deutsche Härte drives it forward. True to their irreverent yet heroic spirit, Feuerschwanz strike a balance between celebration and solemnity, humour and grandeur, proving once again why their sound is both unique and addictive.
The album unfolds as a 12-chapter journey filled with textures, surprises, and memorable collaborations. The title track features Dag from SDP, while the legendary Doro Pesch contributes to a spectacular rendition of Valhalla. That track alone stands out with its bagpipes and glorious marching rhythm, creating an atmosphere of heroic immersion. Even more unexpected is the band’s take on PSY’s Gangnam Style, which surprisingly works as a quirky anthem. This transformation proves just how far Metal’s versatility can go, turning even the most absurd of pop hits into something epic.
As a lifelong Lord of the Rings fan, the highlights for me are The Tale of Sam and Sam the Brave. The former serves as a heartfelt spoken-word piece, narrating Sam’s vows before leaving the Shire alongside Frodo. It’s delivered with a bedtime-story warmth that draws you in. Sam the Brave, on the other hand, bursts with power, weaving Celtic folk elements and cinematic orchestrations reminiscent of Sabaton and Powerwolf. These tracks not only shine musically but also honour Samwise Gamgee, the unsung hero of Middle-earth who embodies loyalty, humility, and resilience in the face of darkness. Feuerschwanz’s tribute feels deeply moving, reminding us that true heroes are not always those wielding swords, but those who keep hope alive.
Knightclub also stands out for its pristine production. Every layer of instrumentation is mixed and mastered with clarity, giving weight to the rhythmic foundation, orchestrations, and dynamic vocal performances. Clean and harsh vocals alike are delivered with precision and intensity. Lords of Fyre, in particular, showcases this balance at its peak, marking it as one of the standout tracks that will no doubt become a live staple. The production ensures the album works equally well whether blasting at a festival, playing at a party, or serving as the soundtrack to your own fantasy-inspired daydreams.
In the end, Knightclub is a celebration of life, heroism, and imagination, a soundtrack to adventure where humour, pathos, and triumph all have their place. From the tender warmth of The Tale of Sam to the sweeping might of Lords of Fyre, Feuerschwanz have crafted an album that pulls you into its world. You don’t just listen—you live it, as if raising a pint at the Green Dragon, marching into battle, and then returning home to the Shire, all in one exhilarating journey.
Label: Napalm Records
Release date: August 22, 2025
Website: https://feuerschwanz.de/
Country: Germany
Score: Elyna gave no score again, but I’d say 3.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 