They have awakened the dead. They have been revered and spat upon. They entered the Sængerkrieg as sinners without reins, with their racing hearts. And they followed their compass to the sun after the art theft: With their captivating signature sound of modern rock and centuries-old influences, In Extremo have not only shaped their own music genre but have also developed into the most well-known and successful medieval rock band in the world. Living legends who have captivated a global audience of millions for almost three turbulent decades. After eight top 3 albums awarded with precious metals (of which no less than four reached the 1st place in the German longplay charts), the tightly-knit band has come together again to dispel dark thoughts in uncertain times and to bring new courage, hope, and plenty of good cheer with "Wolkenschieber"!
At their concerts, one thought has always been at the forefront: that of celebration, sociability, and community. Whether at early medieval market performances or during large arena shows around the globe – a bond that In Extremo has forged closely with their fans near and far over thirty exciting years, and which Michael Robert "Das Letzte Einhorn" Rhein, Sebastian "Van Lange" Lange, Kay "Die Lutter" Lutter, André "Dr. Pymonte" Strugala, Marco "Flex Der Biegsame" Zorzytzky, and Florian "Specki T.D." Speckardt pay tribute to on their 13th studio album. The drinking sextet is known to be less superstitious, as In Extremo proved last year with a mischievous grin in the form of the pre-release track "Weckt die Toten", with which the band presented itself in newfound strength. With "Wolkenschieber", the medieval rockers are now sending their eagerly awaited album after them.
While In Extremo have previously favored centuries-old motifs and traditions in their songs, the origin story of "Wolkenschieber" begins unusually late this time. Namely in the year 1874, when the Berlin pharmacist Schultze invented a "special liqueur" after long experimentation, which soon became a remedy of immense popularity. A high-proof all-purpose elixir that worked wonders for digestive disorders as well as for lack of desire, pains of all kinds, or general melancholy. One to three glasses of Schultze's invigorating "Wolkenschieber" – and suddenly gloom and sorrow had miraculously vanished! An effect that In Extremo have now captured on their eponymous album. "Life during the times of Otto von Bismarck has many parallels to the present," explains bassist Kay Lutter. "There was incredible poverty, a great housing shortage, and political turmoil – something that, unfortunately, is very present again today. Back then, people longed to swallow their worries for a few moments and simply be carefree amidst all the chaos. That’s exactly the feeling we are trying to convey on the new album. We brewed our very own version of this drink: `Wolkenschieber` 2.4!"
"Wolkenschieber" contains a fast-paced mixture of captivating party and drinking songs, combative freedom songs, and touching ballads, with which In Extremo are now opening the next chapter in their work. After working on the rough demos in Sebastian Lange's Berlin studio, the six-member group settled in various recording stages at the proven Principal Studios near Münster from December 2022. There, they worked with their well-rehearsed producer team Vincent Sorg (Die Toten Hosen, Kreator, Fury In The Slaughterhouse) and Jörg Umbreit (Extrabreit, Slime, Fiddler's Green) on refining the total of 12 new tracks, to hang the necessary "jewelry on the nightgown", as the band humorously describes their excessive attention to detail. Of course, not without pushing a cloud or two themselves after work, as drummer Specki grins while sharing from the well-stocked band sewing box. "When six grown men, who are not averse to a good drop and partying, retreat to a house in the countryside, you can vividly imagine what happens there. The cold drinks are flowing, new song ideas are voted on in a strictly grassroots democratic manner, and of course, new resolutions are properly toasted afterward. But seriously: It’s important to us to regularly get the whole band around one table. If time allows, we also cook together and often remain in a playful mood after dinner, so we frequently have a little midnight session. Even if the producers have long been in bed. Micha is known for enjoying singing late at night."
"Wolkenschieber" – Tour Winter 24
Guests: Korpiklaani and Rauhbein
15.11.24 Saarbrücken - Garage
16.11.24 CH-Pratteln - Z 7
22.11.24 Rostock - Moya
23.11.24 Dortmund - Winterlights Festival
29.11.24 Berlin - Columbiahalle
30.11.24 Bremen - Pier 2
06.12.24 Nürnberg - KIA Metropol Arena
07.12.24 A-Wien - Gasometer
12.12.24 Bielefeld - Lokschuppen
13.12.24 Hannover - Swiss Life Hall
14.12.24 Dresden - Alter Schlachthof
20.12.24 Leipzig - Haus Auensee
21.12.24 Stuttgart - Porsche Arena
27.12.24 München - Zenith
28.12.24 Wiesbaden - Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
29.12.24 Erfurt - Messehalle
30.12.24 Köln – Palladium
"Wolkenschieber" was released on 13.09.2024 as a CD digisleeve and black double vinyl, as limited CD deluxe versions including two bonus tracks or double vinyl in pearl optics in 180 grams with a noble, signed art print. Additionally, in the shop, strictly limited white label vinyls and various bundles with exclusive T-shirts and an exclusive "Wolkenschieber" bitter, specially distilled for this album by the oldest Berlin schnapps manufacturer Mampe Spirituosen GmbH.
