GENERATION STEEL - release new single and video "Wings of Fire"
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“Heavy Metal made in Germany” has always been a mark of quality and, during the glorious 1980s, with the early works of ACCEPT, RUNNING WILD, GRAVE DIGGER, STORMWITCH, HELLOWEEN and others, not only defined a new genre but also shaped subsequent generations, much like the NWoBHM or traditional US metal.
The band GENERATION STEEL, founded in Wetzlar in 2019 by guitarist Jack the Riffer, follows precisely in this tradition and embodies this inimitable spirit to perfection. With their first two albums, “The Eagle Will Rise” (2021) and “Lionheart” (2023), GENERATION STEEL have got their engine up to operating temperature and are now striking a major blow with their new album “Steelmachine”.
“My aim with this third album was to take things up a notch, develop Generation Steel further and sharpen our profile even more. I think we’ve succeeded,” says the guitar wizard.
Today sees the release of ‘Wings of Fire’, the third single along with a music video. Watch the video here.
“‘Wings of Fire’ tells the story of the struggles every person faces within themselves. The battle in the sky symbolises inner conflicts – doubts, fears and the constant struggle between giving up and carrying on,” says Jack the Riffer.
On “Steelmachine”, GENERATION STEEL pull out all the stops, thanks in no small part to their completely revamped line-up. With guitarist and songwriter Thilo Herrmann, who made his debut in 1985 with the FAITHFUL BREATH classic “Skol” and has made heavy metal history over the course of his career with bands such as RISK (“Ratman”), RUNNING WILD (“Black Hand Inn”, “Masquerade”) and GRAVE DIGGER (“Ballads of a Hangman”) – band leader and guitarist Jack the Riffer now has a living legend at his side. “He’s not only an incredibly talented songwriter and guitarist, but also a great bloke,” says Jack, praising his new bandmate.
There’s also been a change behind the mic: from now on, the Swede Mike Stark – who currently also sings for the Argentine band FEANOR and the Swedish group STORMBURNER – is setting the tone. His powerful, dynamic voice gives the new tracks a real stamp of quality. “Mike stands out in particular for his creativity and experience. His intonation is always steady; he reaches very high notes whilst also impressing in the mid-range – that’s exactly how I picture a metal singer,” says Jack, delighted with the Scandinavian frontman.
Bassist Fabian Watermann (MAD MAX) was the last to join the band shortly before recording began, completing the quintet, who are motivated right down to their fingertips. “Fabian recorded the album in no time at all. Alongside Thilo and Mike, he’s another wonderful addition to the band and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. We all get on very well, both personally and musically. Working on the new album has really brought us closer together. Now we’re rehearsing for the tour, the videos have been shot – it all feels just right.”
“Steelmachine” was brought to life in collaboration with producer Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR), who has previously polished classics by acts ranging from GAMMA RAY, HEADHUNTER and STORMWARRIOR to BLIND GUARDIAN and SAXON. “Piet stands out above all for his knack for optimising songs. He’s provided valuable input in a few places that enhance the song’s dynamics and dramatic structure,” states the band leader, who is highly satisfied with the result. “We’ve matured in terms of song arrangement, and at the same time we’ve managed to preserve our core identity. Thilo and Mike, in particular, have noticeably improved the standard of songwriting.”
Much of the lyrics have very serious underlying themes and a deeper meaning. They address current issues, but do so rather indirectly. “The title track ‘Steelmachine’ refers to current international conflicts. Whilst ‘Witches Cross’ describes the burning of witches in the Middle Ages, it is best understood as a metaphor for exclusion, fear and blind fanaticism. Here, historical events mirror our own times, in which people are still being hastily condemned and publicly pilloried,” explains Jack the Riffer.
Shortly after the album’s release, GENERATION STEEL will be heading out on tour with their metal brothers from MYSTIC PROPHECY and IRON SAVIOR. “We’re absolutely buzzing about it,” he blurts out. “At last we’re hitting the stage with the new line-up and the new songs! I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how we go down with the audience now. My focus will be on the feedback during the live shows and the chats at the merch stand! The setlist is already finalised and is a good mix of tracks from all three albums.”
Anyone who likes traditional German metal will love “Steelmachine”, because the album is exciting and inspiring from start to finish and brims with enthusiasm. Here, five true believers are at work – and that’s infectious. “If we win over our existing fans and attract new ones, we’ll have done everything right,” concludes Jack the Riffer with characteristic modesty.
"Steelmachine" will be released on 16 October by Fireflash Records on CD, LP, in various bundles and digitally.
"Steelmachine" tracklist:
1. Steelmachine
2. Wings Of Fire
3. Witches Cross
4. The Priest
5. I Am The Storm
6. Fields Of Pain
7. Rise Up (feat. Piet Sielck)
8. New Frontiers
9. Island Of Tragedy
