Origin: Switzerland
Formed: 1996
Genre: Folk / Power Metal
Status: Active
Label: Non Stop Music Records
Themes: Fantasy, History, Folktales
Excelsis is one of Switzerland’s longest‑running and most distinctive folk/power metal bands, formed in Koppigen (Bern) in 1996. Their sound blends classic European power metal—drawing clear inspiration from Grave Digger and early Blind Guardian—with strong Swiss folk influences, traditional instruments, and storytelling rooted in local legends, medieval history, and heroic fantasy.
They became widely known early in their career when their song “Dragonslayer” won a contest and was included on Iron Savior’s Unification album—an unusual and prestigious achievement for a young Swiss band.
Excelsis’ discography is extensive, spanning more than two decades and marked by concept albums exploring Swiss folklore, historical battles, and epic sagas. Releases like Kurt of Koppigen (1998), Tales of Tell (2001), and The Legacy of Sempach (2004) cemented their reputation as a band deeply rooted in regional storytelling. Later albums such as Vo Chrieger u Drache (2013), Tod u Vergäutig (2015), and Bluetmond (2020) continued to expand their mythic universe, often sung in Swiss German and enriched with flutes, pipes, alphorn, and other traditional instruments.
The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but several members—especially MĂĽnggu Beyeler and KĂĽsu Herrmann—have remained central pillars of the project. Excelsis’ music is characterized by its energetic folk‑metal spirit, melodic power‑metal backbone, and a uniquely Swiss identity that sets them apart in the European scene.
Lüku Bleuer – Flute, vocals, whistle
See also: PostHumanBigBang
Rölu – Guitars, backing vocals, flute
Ädu – Keyboards, backing vocals
Küsu Herrmann – Drums, Talerschwingen (1996–present)
Münggu Beyeler – Vocals, guitars, pipes, flute, mouth harp, bagpipes, alphorn (1996–present), bass (2002–2006)
See also: ex‑Minhyriath, SchtiereGring, Tagorlad, ex‑Black Jade, ex‑Folkearth, ex‑Folkodia
Mäk – Bass, melodica (2006–present)
Geige Gygax – Bass, backing vocals (1996–2002)
Simon “Simu” MĂĽller – Guitars, backing vocals (1996–2009)
See also: Folkearth
Daniela Beyeler – Keyboards, backing vocals (1996–?)
Anduin the River – Full‑length, 1997
Kurt of Koppigen – Full‑length, 1998
Tales of Tell – Full‑length, 2001
The Legacy of Sempach – Full‑length, 2004
The Standing Stone – Full‑length, 2008
E chly angeri Lieder – EP, 2009
Vo Chrieger u Drache – Full‑length, 2013
Chrieger Lieder – Full‑length, 2014
Tod u Vergäutig – Full‑length, 2015
Bluetmond – Full‑length, 2020