Explore the sacred domains

Origin: Germany
Formed: 2006 (as Erbos in 2005)
Genre: Melodic Death / Black / Folk Metal
Status: Active
Label: Massacre Records
Themes: Narcissism / Psychopathy, Despair, Poetry

Craving began in Oldenburg in 2005 under the name Erbos before adopting their definitive identity in early 2006. From the outset, the band—led by guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter Ivan Chertov—pursued a hybrid style that merges melodic death metal, black metal intensity, and folk‑infused grandeur. Their music is marked by sharp riffing, sweeping melodies, and emotionally charged themes centered on psychological turmoil, narcissistic collapse, and poetic introspection. Over the years, Craving have become known for their technical precision, dramatic arrangements, and the unmistakable Slavic and Northern European influences woven into their sound.

The band’s early years were defined by rapid evolution. After the Demo 2006 and the Revenge EP (2008), Craving released their self‑titled debut in 2012—a record praised for its blend of melodic aggression, folk‑tinged passages, and Ivan’s versatile vocal delivery. The album established Craving as a rising force in the German extreme metal scene, balancing harshness with memorable hooks and narrative depth. Their follow‑up At Dawn (2013) expanded their sonic palette with more elaborate songwriting and a heightened sense of drama, earning strong reception for its emotional weight and refined musicianship.

By the time By the Storm (2016) arrived, Craving had solidified their reputation for crafting intense, melodic, and thematically rich metal. The album showcased tighter production, more intricate guitar interplay, and a darker lyrical focus. The Wielder of Storms EP released the same year further highlighted the band’s ability to shift between ferocity and melancholy, with compositions that feel both epic and deeply personal. Throughout these years, the lineup saw significant changes—most notably the long tenure of drummer Maik Schaffstädter and the contributions of bassists such as Eugen Deutsch and Leonid Rubinstein, each leaving a distinct imprint on the band’s evolving sound.

A major turning point came with the arrival of drummer Wanja Gröger in 2018, whose experience across black metal, progressive, and avant‑garde projects brought new dynamism and precision. Guitarist Jonas Papmeier rejoined the band in 2021, completing the current core lineup and contributing to a renewed creative surge. This revitalized formation culminated in the 2023 full‑length Call of the Sirens, a critically praised album noted for its emotional depth, sharpened melodic sensibility, and powerful thematic exploration of psychological fracture and mythic symbolism. Singles such as Death March and Gods Don’t Negotiate showcased the band’s modernized production and sharpened songwriting, while retaining the raw emotional core that has defined Craving since their inception.

Craving’s live presence has also grown steadily, supported by seasoned musicians such as Nils Kreul, whose extensive experience across German metal acts has strengthened the band’s stage performances. Their upcoming live album Calling the Sirens of the Old Fortress (2025) captures this energy, offering a document of the band’s matured sound and commanding presence.

Today, Craving stand as one of Germany’s most distinctive melodic extreme metal acts—balancing blackened ferocity, death metal precision, and folk‑infused atmosphere with lyrical themes that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Their evolution reflects both artistic ambition and emotional honesty, securing their place within the modern European metal landscape.