Schandmaul, the undisputed leaders of German medieval folk rock, unveil their newest masterful hit with their eleventh studio album, Knüppel aus dem Sack, out June 10, 2022 via Napalm Records.

With six Top 10 albums on the German charts (with their 2016 highlight Leuchtfeuer reaching #1 and most recently 2019's Artus at #2), two Echo Award nominations, Gold status for Traumtänzer (2011) and Unendlich (2014), successful tours and numerous festival appearances at the likes of Wave Gotik Treffen, M'era Luna and the legendary Wacken Open Air, as well as millions of streams on digital platforms, Schandmaul have summited to the top of the folk rock scene without a doubt. In 2022, the unit proves once again that they have conquered this position and will stay there with their upcoming full-length.

The first single and title track, “Knüppel aus dem Sack” kicks directly into a sonic universe of long forgotten times, moving forward with modern sound to form an unbeatable symbiosis. The fast-paced verse is fueled by Thomas Lindner's rhythmic vocal offering and leads into an undoubtedly catchy chorus within the blink of an eye.  

Schandmaul on the first single: "The first song lets the cat... the "cudgel out of the sack" right away: Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to dance!" (Thomas Lindner)

"THE rock anthem of the album! Already a live banger that will find its permanent place at concerts!" (Martin Duckstein)

“Schandmaul and fans united, already tested live many times and now also united in one video! Your loyalty has carried us through many difficult times, it is now time to finally rejoice together again." (Matthias Richter)

Watch the official video for “Knüppel aus dem Sack” below.

Since their debut, Wahre Helden, released in 1999, Schandmaul has been a reliable force of top-notch, high-level folk rock full of exciting, captivating storytelling, performed by genre-trademarked instruments such as bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy and folk flutes, all topped with the unmistakable skills of vocalist Thomas Lindner. With the title of their upcoming masterpiece, Knüppel aus dem Sack, the Munich-based outfit refers to a fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, "The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack" (original German name: “Tischlein deck dich, Goldesel und Knüppel aus dem Sack”). Knüppel aus dem Sack shows the band at their undeniable peak as songwriters, storytellers and entertainers and embodies another high that is not only directed to die-hard fans but to everyone keen on diving into the magnificent universe of the German frontrunners.

Schandmaul on the album:

"With the eleventh album we announce ourselves loud and clear back after the forced silence!" (Thomas Lindner)

"We report back! A rocking album, nevertheless unmistakably Schandmaul. Fresh wind came additionally by producer Simon Michael, who tickled unexpected sides from the band..." (Martin Duckstein)

"The new Schandmaul album is really on fire and with the first single we literally take the "cudgel out of the sack"! Look forward with us to a fantastic video, and that we can finally rock together again at concerts. We have the music for it in our luggage." (Stefan Brunner)

“Out of the cultural lockdown, out of the cold of winter, out of rigidity. Time to go out again, to meet and move. To new music, peacefully united. May the album be a ray of hope, especially now in these sad times. Peace." (Matthias Richter)

Knüppel aus dem Sack will be available in the following formats:

- Deluxe Wooden Box (incl. ltd CD Mediabook, LP recycled color vinyl, 7inch recycled colored vinyl with 2 excl.bonus tracks, Slipmat, Flag) – limited to 500 copies worldwide
- Deluxe Tow Sack (incl. ltd CD Mediabook, field flask) -  limited to 500 copies worldwide
- LP Recycled Black Vinyl
- Ltd Edition CD Mediabook incl. 11 Tracks + 2 exclusive bonus tracks
- CD 6 pages Digisleeve inkl 11 Tracks
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Knüppel aus dem Sack"
"Königsgarde" (feat. Saltatio Mortis, Ben Metzner)
"Das Gerücht"
"Der Pfeifer"
"Tatzelwurm"
"Der Flug"
"Der Quacksalber"
"Luft und Liebe"
"Glück auf!" (feat. Fiddler´s Green)
"Irgendwann"
"Niamh"
"Der elfseitige Würfel" (Bonus Track)
"Long John Silver" (Bonus Track)

"Knüppel aus dem Sack" video:

Schandmaul are:

Thomas Lindner - vocals, guitar, piano, accordion
Stefan Brunner – drums
Martin Duckstein - acoustic guitar, e-guitar, cister, banjo
Birgit Muggenthalter - bagpipes, (folk) flutes
Matthias Richter - e-Bass, double bass
Saskia Forkert - violin, hurdy-gurdy, background vocals

(Photo - Heilemania)