Origin: Germany
Location: Bruchsal, Baden‑Württemberg
Formed: 1993
Genre: Melodic Black / Power Metal
Status: Active
Label: MDD Records
Themes: Darkness, Evil, Fantasy
Pegasus formed in 1993 in Bruchsal, emerging as one of the more unusual German underground acts to blend melodic black metal aesthetics with power metal’s heroic flair. Founded by vocalist/bassist Thorsten MĂĽller and guitarist Daniel Bariè, the band quickly developed a sound rooted in fantasy‑driven storytelling, theatrical arrangements, and a mixture of harsh and clean vocal textures. Their early work leaned more heavily into blackened elements, while later releases embraced a brighter, more epic power‑metal identity without abandoning their darker roots.
The debut demo “When Darkness Begins” (1993) introduced their raw, melodic approach, followed by the single “Forces of Evil” (1995), which helped establish their reputation in the German underground. With the EP “The Dungeon Master” (1999), Pegasus began refining their fantasy‑metal concept, incorporating more keyboards and narrative structures.
Their first full‑length, “Fantasy” (2001), became a cult favorite for its blend of melodic black metal riffing, symphonic touches, and power‑metal choruses. Reviews praised its adventurous songwriting and the band’s ability to merge aggression with uplifting, fairy‑tale‑like atmospheres. The following EPs “Dragons of Hope” (2002) and “Birth of a Dragon” (2005) expanded their mythic universe, adding female vocals and more elaborate arrangements.
Pegasus reached their creative peak with “The Epic Quest” (2006), a fully realized concept album celebrated for its strong melodies, layered keyboards, and heroic narrative arc. It remains their most acclaimed work, often cited for its balance of fantasy‑metal exuberance and darker undertones. The 2007 EP “Die Legende der schwarzen Fee” continued this direction, introducing new vocal textures and further solidifying their identity as a fantasy‑driven melodic metal act.
Despite numerous lineup changes—particularly among guitarists, drummers, and female vocalists—the band has remained active, anchored by MĂĽller’s leadership and Ralf Kletti’s long‑standing keyboard work. Pegasus continues to operate within the German underground, maintaining a loyal niche following drawn to their blend of blackened atmosphere, power‑metal energy, and fairy‑tale mysticism.
Current lineup
Thorsten Müller – Lead Vocals, Bass (1993–present)
Ralf Kletti – Keyboards (2004–present)
Diana – Female Vocals (2013–present)
Past members
Daniel Bariè – Guitars (1993–2004)
Claudia Erb – Female Vocals (1996–2001)
Ingo Rene – Guitars (1998)
Alexander Jüthe – Keyboards (1998–1999), Vocals (2003–2004)
Michael Kotvas – Guitars (1999–2005)
Michael Bruder – Drums (2000–2006)
Bianca Hiller – Female Vocals (2001–2003)
Martina Klink – Female Vocals (2002–2006)
Dominik Meffle – Guitars (2004–2006)
Jens Bauer – Rhythm Guitars (2005)
Thomas Verebes – Drums (2006–2010; live 2011)
Kim Neuweiler – Guitars (2006–2007)
Christian Liebhardt – Guitars (2006–2007)
Katjana Schulze – Female Vocals (2006–2007)
Patrick Hämmerle – Guitars (2007–?)
Rafaela – Female Vocals (2008–2009)
Marie‑Jeanne – Female Vocals (2009–?)
Past (live)
Falk Irmenfried von Hasen‑Mümmelstein – Shawm, Keyboards (2007)
Cordoban der Verspielte – Shawm, Keyboards (2007)
Demos
Singles
EPs
Full‑length albums