Origin: Germany
Formed: 2012
Genre: Melodic Black/Death Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Life, Death, War
Empyreal was founded in 2012 in Franconia, Bavaria by guitarist Dennis Schneider, whose vision shaped the band’s melodic black/death metal identity from the outset. Drawing on Scandinavian melodic death metal, blackened aggression, and a strong sense of emotional and thematic weight, Empyreal developed a sound built on sharp riffing, dynamic lead work, and a balance between melody and intensity. Their lyrical focus on life, death, and war adds a dramatic, existential dimension to their music.
The band’s first release, the EP Psalms of Forlorn Hope (2016), introduced their blend of melodic ferocity and atmospheric tension. The EP was noted for its tight musicianship, expressive guitar work, and the interplay between harsh vocals and melodic passages. It established Empyreal as a rising force within the Bavarian underground.
Their debut full‑length My Own Living Hell (2019) marked a significant step forward, showcasing more refined songwriting, heavier production, and a darker emotional tone. The album highlighted the band’s ability to merge blackened atmospheres with melodic death metal structures, creating a sound both aggressive and introspective. Reviews often praised the album’s cohesion, strong guitar leads, and the powerful vocal performance of Michael Bachmann.
Empyreal’s lineup has remained anchored by Schneider’s lead guitar work, supported by a stable rhythm section and expressive vocal delivery. Despite lineup changes—most notably the departure of longtime drummer Jonathan Keller in 2024—the band continues to evolve while maintaining the melodic and blackened foundations that define their identity.
Still active and independent, Empyreal stands as a dedicated presence in the German extreme metal scene, known for their emotional intensity, technical precision, and commitment to a sound that bridges melody and darkness.
Discography
Members
Current Members
Past Members
Past Live Member