Album Review: Schandmaul – Sternensegler (Napalm Records)

Schandmaul, the iconic German folk rock band, are back with their brand-new album, ‘Sternensegler’, out September 11th, 2026, via Napalm Records. It is their first album with Till Herence on vocals with Thomas Lindner switching to instruments instead.

A big change, but one masterfully handled. Schandmaul are looking forward, but in doing so, make sure that their extensive listener base comes along for the ride too. All with a set of new tracks that exemplify their creativity, ability to adapt, and desire to remain undeniably anthemic.

I’m not going to call it game changing, because it’s not but if you’re in the mood for peppy, layered, infectious rock tunes with thrilling injections of dramatic and cinematic folk, you won’t be left wanting here. Not when the first of the record has anthems like Nimm alles mit (the chorus is a singalong), the title track (the bagpipes are awesome), the energetic dance-along that is Flagge (any doubts about Till as vocalist will disappear here), and the cinematic splendour that Nosferatu offers. There’s some really ear-pleasing stuff here.

Relaxed. That’s the word that comes to mind, the further into the album you go. Schandmaul don’t sound like a band with any pressure, any weight on their shoulders, and any belief that their music isn’t going to be widely and lovingly embraced. I mean when hitting harmonious highs with a track like Wo Sprache aufhört, can you blame them!?

The second half of the record is, happily, just as strong too. Beginning in bouncy fashion with In der Hand, a track with thumping percussion and vibrant folk melodies that showcase the breadth of Schandmaul’s instrumental talents. Then along comes Lass nicht los, one of my personal favourites, and all thanks to the combo of Till’s powerful singing, the gorgeous violin melodies, and one hell of an uplifting chorus.

How about the love ballad that is Trag Dich though? The word to describe it is spellbinding.

In most circumstances, that might have been the finale, but Schandmaul have one more in them and it’s an epic. An epic called Zwei Raben that features Laura Fella on guest vocals. Some might bemoan two ballad-like tracks in a row, but it just works and I think the latter is one of the more imaginative tracks overall.

Choppy waters well and truly navigated, Schandmaul’s course is true and this album is all the proof anyone will need that their future has never seemed brighter.

Schandmaul – Sternensegler Track Listing:

1. Nimm alles mit
2. Sternensegler
3. Beide Füße in der Luft
4. Flagge
5. Nosferatu
6. Wo Sprache aufhört
7. In der Hand
8. An beiden Enden
9. Lass nicht los
10. Trag Dich
11. Zwei Raben (feat. Laura Fella)

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