Alcatraz Line up: 2024

The term ‘medieval folk metal’ is bound to raise a few eyebrows. What to expect? The Germans in Feuerschwanz (which translates as ‘Fire Dick’) have been plying their trade for two decades. It was founder Peter ‘Hauptmann Feuerschwanz’ Benrici who came up with the idea. He called the concept ‘medieval folk comedy’ and gave the music a satirical slant. Feurschwanz sings about medieval professions and customs but also reinterprets classic fairytales. They also turn covers of famous tracks into medieval parodies. The language is pretty blunt at times but it’s all tongue-in-cheek and good fun. Then in 2020 they were signed with a major label, causing them to abandon their comedic folk rock in favour of a more serious, heavy metal-oriented style. Their eleventh studio album ‘Fegefeuer’ (2023) claimed top spot in the official German charts at the end of July 2023.