Human Fortress
Formed: 1997
From:
Hanover,
Germany
Last Known Status: Active
Background
At the end of 1997, after dissolving their band, bassist Pablo J. Tammen and guitarist Torsten Wolf got together with drummer Thomas Albrecht and guitarist Volker Trost through a Hannover scene magazine.
After a few sessions, it was clear that a musical future could be had together. A short time later, Michaela Senger with her powerful blues voice, joined the band. The melodic hardrock band “Timezone” was born.
Later that year, Timezone entered the studio under the direction of Hilmer Staacke (former Rough Silk) and Maik Borowski.
The recording was completed but unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Michaela had to leave the band and the songs have, to this day, never been released.
In the search for a new singer, Pablo was able to invite Jioti Parcharidis (former singer of Hydrotoxin) for some sessions, and in summer 1999, the first demo was recorded at the Airport Studios, Hannover.
The band had developed, by this stage into a melodic metal band and became renamed
“Human Fortress”.
The demo Cd was sent to various metal magazines, and received, amongst others particularly good reviews in “Heavy oder was?” and “Metal Heart”.
In July 2000, “Human Fortress” went into production with Tommy Newton at his Area 51 Recording Studios, Celle along with their new keyboarder, Dirk Marquardt and their new drummer Laki Zaios. Whilst in the studio, the band joined forces with Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart, The Sygnet, Letter X) who sang additional vocals on the album.
Latest Human Fortress News
Below is our complete Human Fortress news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Human Fortress Releases "Pain" Lyric Video
The epic melodic metal force Human Fortress unleashes their brand-new single and video "Pain" — a powerful glimpse into their upcoming album "Stronghold," to be released on October 17th, 2025 via Massacre Records.
Now available on all digital platforms, "Pain" strikes with heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and raw emotion, accompanied by an intense official video, which you can see below.
About the track, the band states: "'Pain' is about mental pain and how you want to free yourself from it." More...
Human Fortress Posts New Lyric Video Online
German power metal outfit Human Fortress has posted a new lyric video online for the song, "Dark Knight." You can check it out below. The song comes from the band's forthcoming new album, "Epic Tales & Untold Stories," which is set to be released on January 22nd through Massacre Records.
With the forthcoming album, Human Fortress express gratitude towards their fans, who have stood by their side for more than 20 years now. The album's front cover was created by Kristijan Kuliš. All songs were remastered by Alexander Krull at Mastersound Entertainment Studio. More...
Human Fortress Reveals New Album Details
AFM Records will release the new album from power metal band Human Fortress, entitled Reign Of Gold, on December 6.
Due to the melodic hooks, the heroic hymns and powerful vocals, spiced up with royal-medieval melodies, the sound stays unique and self-reliant. After three years of creative work, the epic metal band is up to release their sixth album, Reign Of Gold, with Tommy Newton in control of production.
Tracklisting:
1. Imminence
2. Thunder
3. Reign Of Gold
4. Lucifer´S Waltz
5. Bullet Of Betrayal
6. Shining Light
7. Surrender
8. The Blacksmith
9. Martial Valor
10. Legion Of The Damned
11. Victory More...
Human Fortress Issues "Thrice Blessed" Music Video
German metal act Human Fortress released a new music video for the track "Thrice Blessed," taken from the new album Thieves Of The Night." The album was just issued in the U.S. on April 1st via AFM Records. Check out our review for the album over at this location.
Check out the clip here:
Human Fortress Posts Music Video For Title Track
German metal act Human Fortress released a music video for the new track "Thieves Of The Night." The song is the title track from the new album, which is due for release on March 18th in EU and April 1st in the USA via AFM Records.
The album's track listing is:
1. Amberstow
2. Last Prayer To The Lord
3. Rise Or Fall
4. Thieves Of The Night
5. Thrice Blessed
6. Hellrider
7. Just A Graze
8. Vicious Circle
9. Smite On The Anvil
10. Dungeons Of Doom
11. Gift Of Prophecy
12. Alone
Check out the clip here: More...
Human Fortress Post Single Teaser
Human Fortress just released a minute-long snippet from upcoming single "Thieves Of The Night," which will also be the title track off the band's impending album. Check it out at SoundCloud here. The new album's track listing is as follows:
1. Amberstow
2. Last Prayer To The Lord
3. Rise Or Fall
4. Thieves Of The Night
5. Thrice Blessed
6. Hellrider
7. Just A Graze
8. Vicious Circle
9. Smite On The Anvil
10. Dungeons Of Doom
11. Gift Of Prophecy
12. Alone More...
Human Fortress Announces "Thíeves Of The Night"
This March, German epic melodic metal band Human Fortress will deliver another strong album entitled "Thieves Of The Night." Two years after the group had returned to the style of their successful first releases from the early 2000’s with "Raided Land" – introducing new vocalist Gus Monsanto (Symbolica/ex-Adagio) - Human Fortress continue right where they left off.
Songs such as the catchy title track, power metal hymns ("Rise Or Fall," "Vicious Circle") or the slightly modern - but not less epic - "Thrice Blessed" will amaze every fan of the Hannover-based band. But "Thieves Of The Night" additionally could appeal to worshippers of Virgin Steele’s 80’s/90’s classic releases, Kamelot and Avantasia.
A video clip for the album's title track is planned for release soon. The exact date of the new release will also be announced in the coming weeks.
The album's track listing is:
1. Amberstow
2. Last Prayer To The Lord
3. Rise Or Fall
4. Thieves Of The Night
5. Thrice Blessed
6. Hellrider
7. Just A Graze
8. Vicious Circle
9. Smite On The Anvil
10. Dungeons Of Doom
11. Gift Of Prophecy
12. Alone More...
Human Fortress Crowd Funding Fifth Album
Human Fortress is currently working on the band's 5th studio album, which will be a crowd funded affair. The band comments:
"To give you a top of the notch experience in both music and video production, we need some support to realise the project as planned. Therefore we started a crowd funding campaign at this location.
"So what you are waiting for? Hop over to the campaign site and support the music you love. Of course every supporter gets some cool rewards, so go, go, go and stay metal."
This upcoming fifth album will follow 2013's "Raided Land" release. You can check out a lyric video taken off that album for the "Under Siege" track right here. More...
Human Fortress Posts Lyric Video
Human Fortress has released a brand new lyric video for the track "Under Siege," which is available below.
The track comes off "Raided Land," released late last year via AFM Records. You can also watch the band's previously posted music video for "Wasted Years" over at this location.
Human Fortress Releases "Wasted Years" Video
Human Fortress issued a new music video for the track "Wasted Years." The song appears on the band's upcoming new release "Raided Land," which will be released via AFM Records on on November 29th (EU) and December 3rd (USA) via AFM Records (see review here).
"Raided Land" was mixed and mastered by Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann of Orden Ogan. Check out "Wasted Years" here:
Human Fortress Streaming New Song "The Chosen One"
German power metal band Human Fortress is streaming another new track - "The Chosen One." The song appears on the upcoming new album "Raided Land," which is out on November 29th (EU) and December 3rd (USA) via AFM Records (see review here).
The track list for "Raided Land" is:
1. Raided Land
2. Child Of War
3. Wasted Years
4. The Chosen One
5. Shelter
6. Gladiator Of Rome, Pt. II (streaming here)
7. Dark Knight
8. Prelude
9. Pray For Salvation
10. Evil Curse
11. Restless Souls
12. Under Siege
13. Guard The Blind
Check out "The Chosen One": More...
Human Fortress Streaming "Gladiator Of Rome Pt II"
German power metal band Human Fortress premiered the new track "Gladiator of Rome, Pt. II" over at Rock Hard Germany's website at this location (also in the player below). The song appears on the upcoming new album "Raided Land," which is out on November 29th (EU) and December 3rd (USA) via AFM Records. A review for the album can be found over here. The album marks the debut for new vocalist Gus Monsanto (Code of Silence/Symbolica)
The track list for "Raided Land" is:
1. Raided Land
2. Child Of War
3. Wasted Years
4. The Chosen One
5. Shelter
6. Gladiator Of Rome, Pt. II
7. Dark Knight
8. Prelude
9. Pray For Salvation
10. Evil Curse
11. Restless Souls
12. Under Siege
13. Guard The Blind
Check out "Gladiator of Rome, Pt. II" here: More...
Human Fortress Posts Vocal Recording Footage
German metal band Human Fortress posted additional in studio footage from the upcoming release of "Raided Land," the band's first album in five years and the first to feature new vocalist Gus Monsanto (Symbolica/Code of Silence/Ex-Adagio). The footage shows Monsanto recording vocals with snippets of two new tracks "Gladiator Of Rome (Part 2)" and "Restless Souls" streaming in the background.
"Raided Land" drops on November 28th (EU) and December 3rd (USA) via AFM Records. The track listing is:
1. Raided Land
2. Child Of War
3. Wasted Years
4. The Chosen One
5. Shelter
6. Gladiator Of Rome (Part 2)
7. Dark Knight
8. Prelude
9. Pray For Salvation
10. Evil Curse
11. Restless Souls
12. Under Siege
13. Guard The Blind
Check out the footage here: More...
Human Fortress Unveils Album Artwork & Track List
German power metal band Human Fortress, now fronted by Code of Silence/Symbolica frontman Gus Monsanto, unveiled the cover art and track listing for the band's upcoming album "Raided Land." The album dopes on November 22nd (EU) and December 3rd (USA) via AFM Records.
The track listing is as follows:
1. Raided Land
2. Child Of War
3. Wasted Years
4. The Chosen One
5. Shelter
6. Gladiator Of Rome (Part 2)
7. Dark Knight
8. Prelude
9. Pray For Salvation
10. Evil Curse
11. Restless Souls
12. Under Siege
13. Guard The Blind More...
Human Fortress Posts First In Studio Video
Germany's Human Fortress posted the first in a series of in studio videos on the recordings of the new album "Raided Land." The album is set for release on November 29, 2013 via AFM Records. The album is the first since "Eternal Empire" was released in 2008 via Massacre Records. It features the return of guitarist Volker Trost and drummer Apostolos Zaios, as well as new vocalist Gus Monsanto (Symbolica/Code of Silence), new bassist André Hort (Rough Silk) and marks the first studio album with keyboardist Dirk Liehm (who joined the band in 2009).
The first installment features Monsanto laying down vocal tracks with producer Michael Bormann (PowerWorld/Redrum).
Human Fortress Signs With AFM
Hanover (Germany) based epic power metal band Human Fortress has signed a deal with AFM Records. After a 5-year hiatus the band returns with new vocalist Gus Monsanto (ex-Revolution Renaissance/Adagio) and a clear mission ahead. Guitarist Torsten Wolf comments:
“With our upcoming album we musically want to continue in the vein of our first two releases 'Lord Of Earth And Heavens Heir' and 'Defenders Of The Crown.' We are very happy to start this new endeavour with our fantastic new vocalist Gus Monsanto now."
Gus explains: “I always wanted to do this kind of music but couldn’t find a band like that in Brazil. These songs are epic, with huge hooklines and I was convinced straight away. I can’t wait to play our songs on stage."
Human Fortress has just finished recordings for an upcoming album which will be released by the end of the year. The band is:
Gus Monsanto - vocals
Torsten Wolf - guitar
Volker Trost - guitar
Dirk Liehm - keyboard
Andre Hort - bass
Apostolos Zaios - drum
Human Fortress Reveal New Album Tracklisting
German power metallers HUMAN FORTRESS will release their third album, "Eternal Empire", on April 25 via Massacre Records. The first pressing will be available as a limited-edition double CD featuring a bonus disc containing two bonus tracks, a video clip, outtakes, pictures and much more.
"Eternal Empire" track listing:
01. Contrast
02. Borders Of Insanity
03. The Wizard
04. The Raven
05. When Love And Hate Collide
06. Under The Spell
07. Lions Den
08. Circle Of Flames
09. Falling Leaves
HUMAN FORTRESS' last CD, "Defenders of the Crown", came out in 2003. The band has since parted ways with singer Jioti Parcharidis and drummer Apostolos "Laki" Zaios and has replaced them with Carsten Frank and Arndt Krone, respectively.
Human Fortress Release "Eternal Empire" In April
German power metallers HUMAN FORTRESS will release their third album, "Eternal Empire" (cover artwork), on April 25 via Massacre Records. Audio samples of the tracks "Contrast" and "Falling Leaves" are available at this location. A video for the song "Contrast" was recently shot and will be released soon.
HUMAN FORTRESS' last CD, "Defenders of the Crown", came out in 2003. The band has since parted ways with singer Jioti Parcharidis and drummer Apostolos "Laki" Zaios and has replaced them with Carsten Frank and Arndt Krone, respectively.
Human Fortress Announce New Guitarist
Massacre Records have posted the following:
Human Fortress are finishing tracks for their next, 3rd studio album. The pre-production will begin in the fall 2004. New guitarist in the line up is Frank Sawade, who replaces Volker Trost. HUMAN FORTRESS are also looking for a new, professional management and booking agent. Please contact:
info@human-fortress.com