Written By Caine Blackthorn
German folk-rock veterans SCHANDMAUL have summoned one of horror’s most enduring figures for their new single “Nosferatu,” taken from the band’s forthcoming album Sternensegler, due September 11, 2026 via Napalm Records.
Inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, “Nosferatu” explores loneliness, longing and the grief of losing one’s former life. But SCHANDMAUL aren’t treating their bloodsucker with complete solemnity. The accompanying music video injects humor into the gothic melancholy, following a vampire who yearns for the sunlight and discovers an unlikely companion along the way.
Vocalist Till Herence and bandleader Thomas Lindner take starring roles in the video, which SCHANDMAUL describe as their most ambitious production to date.
“Our most elaborate video yet! Three full days of filming across a wide variety of locations, with a huge dose of fun and a touch of mischief,” the band says.
“Nosferatu” follows previously released singles “Sternensegler,” “In der Hand” and “An beiden Enden,” becoming the fourth preview of the upcoming record.
SCHANDMAUL Sternensegler Begins a New Era
Sternensegler represents a significant transition for SCHANDMAUL, introducing Till Herence as vocalist while the German band pushes forward with the folk-rock sound that has carried them through a career spanning more than two decades.
Herence is a longtime companion of the band and joins a lineup led by Thomas Lindner as SCHANDMAUL move into their latest chapter following a difficult period in their history.
The band describes Sternensegler as a record centered around resilience, friendship and starting again.
“Our Sternensegler rises powerfully like a phoenix from the ashes, and that same strength is reflected in these new songs,” SCHANDMAUL explain. “They symbolize rebirth and are a sign of unity and friendship. That’s how you deal with setbacks. Giving up was never an option for us. Let’s look ahead and set sail for new horizons!”
That sense of renewal runs throughout the album.
Opening track “Nimm alles mit” launches the journey on an optimistic note, while the title track extends a hand toward listeners. “Beide Füße in der Luft” reveals a heavier side of the band and places Herence’s voice prominently within SCHANDMAUL’s evolving sound.
“Flagge,” meanwhile, delivers an explicit statement in support of diversity and solidarity.
The record later shifts into quieter territory with “Nosferatu” and “Wo Sprache aufhört” before revisiting “In der Hand,” the first single SCHANDMAUL released with Herence in 2025.
“An beiden Enden” brings the band’s penchant for communal, sing-along melodies back to the foreground, while “Trag Dich” takes the form of a love ballad.
The voyage concludes with “Zwei Raben,” featuring Laura Fella of FAUN.
Sternensegler follows a long run of commercial success for SCHANDMAUL in their native Germany. The band have repeatedly reached the Top 5 of the Official German Albums Chart and scored a No. 1 album with LeuchtFeuer in 2016.
With SCHANDMAUL Sternensegler arriving September 11 via Napalm Records, the album opens a new chapter for the German folk-rock veterans while retaining the melodic identity that has defined the band for decades.
Pre-order your copy of Sternensegler
Sternensegler Track Listing
1. Nimm alles mit
2. Sternensegler
3. Beide Füße in der Luft
4. Flagge
5. Nosferatu
6. Wo Sprache aufhört
7. In der Hand
8. An beiden Enden
9. Lass nicht los
10. Trag Dich
11. Zwei Raben (feat. Laura Fella)
Selected editions will also include a bonus album featuring seven acoustic harp interpretations alongside “Räuber und Narren,” SCHANDMAUL’s collaboration with fellow German medieval-rock veterans SUBWAY TO SALLY.
Sternensegler Bonus Album Track Listing
1. Sternensegler (acoustic version)
2. Beide Füße in der Luft (acoustic version)
3. Nosferatu (acoustic version)
4. In der Hand (acoustic version)
5. Lass nicht los (acoustic version)
6. Trag Dich (acoustic version)
7. Zwei Raben (acoustic version)
8. Räuber und Narren (feat. SUBWAY TO SALLY)
1-LP Gatefold LIQUID, incl. LP-sized booklet, certificate (hand-numbered) – strictly limited, Napalm Records mailorder exclusive]
Wooden Box, incl. flag, leather pouch (faux leather), notebook, postcards (2×2) – strictly limited, Napalm Records mailorder exclusive]
Napalm Records will release Sternensegler across digital, CD and multiple vinyl editions, including several limited mail-order variants and a wooden box set.
SCHANDMAUL LIVE 2026/27
Festivals 2026
11.09.26 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Amphitheater (Folkfield Festival)
12.09.26 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Amphitheater (Folkfield Festival)
Sternensegler Tour 2027
12.02.27 DE – Hanover / Capitol
13.02.27 DE – Hamburg / Gruenspan
19.02.27 DE – Leipzig / Anker
20.02.27 DE – Dresden / Tante JU
26.02.27 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
27.02.27 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater
04.03.27 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage
05.03.27 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik
06.03.27 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
12.03.27 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria
13.03.27 DE – Bremen / Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
19.03.27 DE – Frankfurt am Main / Batschkapp
20.03.27 DE – Munich / Muffathalle
02.04.27 AT – Vienna / Simm City
03.04.27 AT – Linz / Posthof
09.04.27 DE – Magdeburg / Factory
10.04.27 DE – Erfurt / Central Club
SCHANDMAUL Are:
Till Herence – Vocals, Guitar
Thomas Lindner – Piano/Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion
Martin Duckstein – Electric/Acoustic Guitars, Cister, Cistele, Lute, Banjo, Backing Vocals
Matthias Richter – Bass, Double Bass
Stefan Brunner – Drums, Percussion
Saskia Forkert – Violin, Hurdy-Gurdy, Backing Vocals
Birgit Muggenthaler-Schmack – Flutes, Shawms, Bagpipes, Accordion, Backing Vocals
Sternensegler arrives September 11, 2026 via Napalm Records.
SCHANDMAUL ONLINE:
About The Author
Caine Blackthorn writes music news, trending topics, commentary, and feature pieces for Metal Lair with a focus on the shifting culture surrounding rock and heavy metal. From rising ticket prices and touring collapse to legacy artists, industry absurdity, and the changing soul of live music, his work blends sharp observation with the grit, humor, and frustration of the scene itself. Whether covering modern chaos or metal history, Caine approaches heavy music as something lived through, not simply reported on.
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