Origin: Germany
Location: EisenbĂĽhl (early) / Naila (later), Bavaria
Formed: 1998
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
Status: Active
Label: Solistitium Records
Themes: Nature, Local legends and history, Human vanity
Schattenvald is one of Bavaria’s longest‑running and most distinctive symphonic black metal projects, founded in 1998 by Nachtsturm as a solitary studio endeavor with no intention of performing live. From the beginning, the project embraced a deeply regional identity: lyrics often written in local dialect, themes rooted in the forests, mountains, and folklore of the Frankenwald region, and a sound that merges raw black‑metal aggression with sweeping, melodic, and atmospheric arrangements.
In 2000, Schattenvald recorded the demo Shining Black Horizons, now considered lost. Between 2002 and 2004, the project released a series of demos that established its signature style—icy riffs, majestic keyboards, and a strong sense of narrative tied to nature and local myth. After a brief hiatus, Schattenvald returned with renewed focus, eventually producing a trilogy of full‑length albums (I, II, III) between 2007 and 2008. These works were later issued together as a boxed set, marking a milestone in the project’s evolution.
The band’s logo—featuring stylized mountains—was designed by Christophe Szpajdel, further cementing the project’s connection to landscape and myth. Over the years, Schattenvald has remained prolific, releasing full‑lengths, EPs, splits, and compilations that trace a continuous artistic arc from raw symphonic black metal to a more mature, atmospheric, and regionally grounded expression.
Recent works such as “VI” (2023) and “Alle hernach” (2026) show the project still evolving while maintaining its unmistakable identity: cold, melodic, deeply rooted in place, and guided by Nachtsturm’s singular vision.
Current lineup
Nachtsturm – All instruments (1998–2003, 2004–2010, 2011–present)
Also in: Cryptic Wintermoon, Rites of Selaiah, ex‑Guard of Amendor, ex‑Agrypnie, ex‑Homicidal Violence, ex‑Angelus Mortis, ex‑Lord Astaroth, ex‑Khraah
Iskharian – Vocals (2011–present)
Tyrann – Bass (2024–present)
Past members
Geisterdunst – Bass (2002–2003)
Sightveiler – Vocals (2002–2003)
Demos
Full‑length albums
EPs
Splits
Compilations
Compilation appearances