Neue Deutsche Härte (New German Hardness) band Stahlmann employ a kinetic blend of new wave, alternative metal, groove metal, electro-industrial, and techno. Founded in 2008 in Göttingen by singer Mart and guitarist Alex, who were then joined by guitarist Tobi, the band, which combines industrial metal in the vein of Rammstein with electro beats and some gothic influences, released its debut EP, Herzschlag, in 2009. This was followed by a tour (aided by a live bassist and a live drummer) with metal and medieval rock bands such as In Extremo, Saltatio Mortis, and Doro -- and a live show that had all the musicians painted in silver and wearing black clothes. Their self-titled debut album was released in September 2010 (featuring the single "Hass Mich...Lieb Mich"), and the band toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the opening act for Eisbrecher the same month. Their second album, Quecksilber, which featured more electro elements than its predecessor, was released in January 2012 and entered the German album charts at number 39. The group's third studio effort, Adamant, arrived in 2013, followed by CO2 in 2015, the latter of which was their highest-charting outing to date. Early 2017 saw the release of the title track from their upcoming fifth full-length, Bastard, which arrived later that July. ~ Christian Genzel