Hammerfall Family Tree

September 14, 2023 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Hammerfall are a prominent power metal band formed in the early 90’s with their first album released in 1997 and have been steadily active since. Guitarist Oscar Dronjak formed the band along side Jasper Strömblad of In Flames fame. Jasper never played on any releases, but wrote for the first three albums. Since the first album Joacim Cans has been on vocals and the three of them were the primary writers for the first three albums. After that point Jasper was no longer writing with the band (with the exception of one song) and it was primarily Oscar and Joacim with occasional contributions from other members over the years including guitarist Stefan Elmgren, and Pontus Norgren, bassists Fredrik Larsson, and current drummer David Wallin. No other members of the band are credited with writing.

Alice Cooper is one of the original shock rockers. Oscar named him as a favorite as a kid.

Judas Priest are one of the most iconic metal bands and really helped define the genre of heavy metal. Oscar names them as a main influence. Joacim named Halford as an influence. Joacim named Painkiller as a favorite album.

Kiss are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Oscar name them as an inspiration and Ace as one of the reasons he picked up guitar. Hammerfall has covered “Detroit Rock City”.

Riot are one of the earliest American heavy metal bands but often overlooked. Oscar mentioned them as an influence. Joacim named *Fire Down Under* as a favorite album.

Yngwie Malmsteen is considered one of the greatest guitarists… especially by himself. Jesper named him as an influence for his Hammerfall writing.

Accept are among the most important and earliest German metal bands. Oscar names them as an influence and Wolf Hoffmann as his guitar hero.

Twisted Sister is often lumped in with the later hair metal bands, but are older and far more of a true heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite 80’s band. He said the lyrics of Dee Snider had a big impact on him.

Iron Maiden has been one of the biggest and most influential metal bands. Oscar said they are a huge influence. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Picture are a lesser known traditional metal band from Germany. Oscar name them as a favorite growing up.

Ozzy, formerly of Black Sabbath, has had incredible guitar players throughout his career. Oscar named Randy Rhoads as a influence.

Demon were a NWOBHM band although ventured into a more prog rock thing for a time. Joacim named *The Unexpected Guest* as a favorite album.

Mercyful Fate took a technical approach to traditional metal. Oscar named them as an influence. Joacim named King Diamond as an influence and is a fan of Mercyful Fate.

Manowar often get credited as as the first power metal band. Although they predate any power metal movement, they certainly are responsible for many elements that would be incorporated in power metal. Oscar names them as a huge influence. Joacim named Eric Adams as an influence and *Hail to England* as a favorite album.

Warlord are a lesser known heavy/power metal band from the US. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up and Hammerfall covered “Children of the Damned” on their first album. Joacim named *And the Cannons of Destruction Have Begun...* as a favorite album.

Motley Crue became one of the biggest 80’s bands with their more glam rock sound, but earlier took a more speed metal approach. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Running Wild are a pirate themed traditional, speed, and power metal band. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Grim Reaper were a NWOBHM band, perhaps more cheesy than any other. Joacim named *Rock You to Hell* as a favorite album.

Pretty Maids are a rock and occasional metal band. Oscar named them as an influence.

W.A.S.P. are a hard rock / heavy metal band out of the early 80’s. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Slayer are known for their aggression and speed and led in such qualities in early thrash metal. Oscar named them as an influence.

Queensryche are among the earliest of progressive metal and has influenced many power metal bands. Joacim named Geoff Tate as an influence and *Operation: Mindcrime* as a favorite album.

The legendary Ronnie James Dio after his time with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Oscar named Dio as an influence.

Helloween are the fathers of power metal. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Joacim named *Walls of Jericho* as a favorite album. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Stormwitch are a German heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite and influence. Joacim named Tales of Terror as a favorite album. They covered “Ravenlord” on their first album.

Tyran' Pace was a German heavy metal band notably featuring future Gamma Ray and Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Sheepers. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up.

King Diamond formed his own band after departing Mercyful Fate, known for his distinct vocals and conceptual albums. Oscar named King Diamond as an inspiration. Joacim named King as an influence.

Zeno

Gamma Ray was formed by Kai Hansen after his departure from Helloween. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Note: some of the influences named by Oscar are named as general influences on Hammerfall’s sound and not just him alone.

I’ve seen a couple places online site Ritchie Blackmore as one of and influence on Oscar, however I have not been able to corroborate that.

I have also seen Max Bacon named as an influence for Joacim; again, I have not been able to corroborate that.

Joacim said he’s not the biggest Kiss fan, but said that their stage shows are an influence.

Jesper Strömblad is noted as drummer/writer for the first three hammerfall albums, although did not perform on any hammerfall albums. The one influence I listed from him was Yngwie Malmsteen which he specifically named as an influence in his writing in hammerfall.

Peter Stålfors (Dream Evil bassist) co-wrote “I Believe”

Stefan Elmgren has a few writing credits over the years he was with Hammerfall, but I’m unsure of his influences. In an interview about his other band Full Strike he mentions it drawing influence from Hammerfall, but also sounding a bit like Dokken, Gary Moore, Accept, and Helloween. This are probably influences on him in HF, but I will leave the additions off the main list without better clarification.

Fredrick Larsson has no writing credit until Hammer of Dawn which is credited to the entire band. Besides the bands noted above, He also is a big fan of Anthrax. Later influences include Pantera, Meshuggah, Opeth, Pain of Salvation, and A.C.T.. Given his writing is limited to only one album at this time and the sound of Hammerfall hasn’t really changed, I’m excluding these influences from the main list.

Pontus Norgren has about one credit per album he appears on with the exception of Hammer of Dawn which credits are shared equally amongst the band. I am unsure of his influences.

David Wallin has shared writing credits with the rest of the band on Hammer of Dawn. Drummerzone lists his influencess as Scott Travis, Scott Rockenfield, Animal, Gregg Bissonette, Vinnie Paul, Dynamit-Harry, and Morgan Ågren. I have not corroborated this, so these will not be noted in the main list.

More Family Trees

Sources:

https://metalshockfinland.com/2011/05/09/interview-with-hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-the-festivals-are-always-fun-but-the-tour-is-the-real-deal/
https://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-oscar-dronjak-hammerfall-2016/
https://loudwire.com/hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-plays-favorite-riffs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFMTPS2qBko&t=301s
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall.htm
http://www.melodic-rock.com/interviews/hammerfall.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtr63-TV8GM
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-joacim-cans/
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall2002.htm
https://folknrock.com/interviews/interview-joacim-cans-of-hammerfall-talks-new-album-hammer-of-dawn
http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=1-114
http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewflames.html
http://www.sacredmetal.de/index.php?page=interviews/hf-inti
https://bravewords.com/news/hammerfall-side-project-revealed
https://rockoverdose.gr/fredrik-larsson-hammerfall-at-rock-overdose-we-will-definitely-be-back-in-2014-with-a-new-album/
https://drummerszone.com/artists/david-wallin/10688/profile/?language=4#biography

Powerwolf Family Tree

July 21, 2021 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

SUPPORT THE METAL!

Powerwolf are a heavy metal, occasionally power metal, band with a strong organ and keyboard presence. The line up has been consistent except for drummers which there has only be two that have recorded with the band. All members contribute to writing. Vocals has been Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill. On guitars, Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss, rhythm/bass guitars David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt. Organ / Keyboards is Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost. The first three albums had Stefan "Stéfane Funèbre" Gemballa on drums and since has been Roel van Helden. Between them for a short time Tom Diener was on drums but never recorded.

Deep Purple are an important hard rock and early heavy metal band. Matthew said they were an influence in the beginning of Powerwolf.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal and doom. They are one of Matthew’s and Falk’s influences.

Thin Lizzy are an super influential rock / hard rock band. They are one of Roel’s influences.

ZZ Top are hard blues rock band and one of Roel’s influences.

Scorpions lead the way for metal and hard rock in Germany and are one of the earliest metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Rainbow was a legendary combination of musicians. Matthew said they were an influence in the earliest version of Powerwolf.

Judas Priest are perhaps the quintessential heavy metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Kiss are one of the biggest and most recognizable hard rock bands. They are an influence on Roel.

Boney M.

Ramones are the fathers of punk rock if you are not including any proto punk. They are one of Charles’s influences.

Village People

Iron Maiden come out of the NWOBHM and are one of the most influential metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences and named Seventh Son of a Seventh Son as a favorite album. They are also one of Roel’s, Charles’s, and Falk’s influences. — Iron Maiden come out of the NWOBHM and are one of the most influential metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences and named *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* as a favorite album. They are also one of Roel’s, Charles’s, and Falk’s influences.

Michael Schenker formed MSG after his time with UFO and Scorpions. They are one of Matthew’s influences and he names Schenker as one of his heroes.

After his time with Black Sabbath, Ozzy continued to work with incredible guitar players. Matthew named Diary of a Madman as one of his favorite albums and Randy Rhoads as one his heroes. — After his time with Black Sabbath, Ozzy continued to work with incredible guitar players. Matthew named *Diary of a Madman* as one of his favorite albums and Randy Rhoads as one his heroes.

Mercyful Fate are known for the unique vocals of King Diamond but also took heavy metal in a technical direction with tons of riffs and changes. They are one of Matthew’s influences. Falk named them as an influence on the band.

Running Wild are traditional/speed/power metallers from Germany, known for their pirate themes. They are an influence of Charles.

Fates Warning are progressive metal pioneers. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Megadeth are one of the big four of thrash formed by Thrash father Dave Mustaine after being kicked out of Metallica. Falk named Countdown to Extinction as a favorite album. — Megadeth are one of the big four of thrash formed by Thrash father Dave Mustaine after being kicked out of Metallica. Falk named *Countdown to Extinction* as a favorite album.

Candlemass are has been staples of Doom. Matthew and Falk named them as an influence.

Faith No More are an important alternative rock band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Danzig went more heavy metal after his early days in The Misfits. Roel named Danzig as an influence.

Paradise Lost are pioneers of Death/Doom and Gothic metal. Matthew named them as an influence.

Forbidden are a bay area thrash band. Falk named them as an influence.

Chroming Rose were a German power metal band. Falk named all their albums as favorites.

Entombed are an important Swedish death metal band. They are a big influence on Charles.

Iced Earth are heavy/power metal from the US. Roel named them as an influence.

Cannibal Corpse are one of the best known death metal bands. Roel named them as an influence.

Tiamat are death/doomers and an important band for gothic metal. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Glen Hansard

Sentenced has changed their sound over the years from death metal, to melodic death, and now gothic. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Nevermore were a progressive/groove metal band. Falk and Roel named them as an influence.

Moonspell are a prominent gothic metal band. Matthew named them as an influence.

Taake is a Norwegian black metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Evergrey are a Swedish progressive metal band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Matthew said he is a fan of death metal. He described Powerwolf as being heavy metal with atmosphere. For him the atmosphere comes from his more gothic influences.

I’m unsure of Atilla’s influences.

I’m unsure of Stéfane Funèbre’s influences.

More Family Trees

Sources:

http://www.radiometal.com/article/powerwolf-retour-sur-experience,370707
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/matthew-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/charles-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/falk-maria-schlegel/
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/powerwolf.htm
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/roel-van-helden/
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/roel_van_helden.htm

Helloween Family Tree

June 09, 2021 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Support The Metal!

Helloween are a very important band and are considered by many to be the fathers of power metal. Although U.S. power metal dates back further, the European style is the dominant and most recognized style and can be traced to Helloween.

The first album consisted of vocalist and guitarist Kai Hansen, guitarist Michael Weikath, bassist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg. Michael and Markus have been the only consistent members. Michael Kiske stepped in for vocals for the next four albums. Kai sung only on the first one but played guitar for the first three. Roland Grapow replaced Kai on guitar untill 2001 when Sascha Gerstner became the new guitarist. Andi Deris replaced Kiski on vocals in 1994. Uli Kusch stepped in as drummer in 1994 and remained until 2001. He is the only drummer who consistently wrote music in the band. Rabbit Don't Come Easy had three different drummers non of which wrote any music. Daniel Löble took on the drum role in 2005 and has remained with the band since. Primarily music has been written by guitar players and vocalists with Uli also writing a lot while in the band. Markus has had fewer credits but has written more frequently in more recent years. (despite having a lesser influence in the bands sound he named every bass player he’s every heard of as an influence… and I noted all of them.)

Recently the band has reunited with early members Kia and Kiski becoming a seven piece band with three guitars and two vocalists.

(Michael refers to Michael Weikath; Michael Kiske will be noted as Kiske)

Phase One

This phase of the band consists of influences of the early members of the band before the departure of Kia.

Elvis is often called the king or rock ‘n’ roll. Kiske named him as the best vocalist to ever live.

James Jamerson was a session player for Mowtown. Markus is a fan of his arrangements.

Eric Clapton is one of the most influential guitarist out of the 60’s. He’s played in notable bands such as The Yardbirds and Cream. Michael named him as an influence.

Simon and Garfunkel were a folk rock duo. Kiske named said they were a band he used to sing to.

The Who are an important influential rock band. Markus named them as an influence and John Entwistle as his favorite bassist.

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary guitarist. Michael and Roland named Hendrix as an influence.

Cream are an important psychedelic rock band. Markus named Jack Bruce as an influence. Michael named Eric Clapton.

John Farnham

Deep Purple is a hugely important hard rock and early metal band. Michael named Ritchie Blackmore as a big influence and said his first band was in the vain of Deep Purple. Kai also named them as an influence. Markus named Roger Glover as an infl… — Deep Purple is a hugely important hard rock and early metal band. Michael named Ritchie Blackmore as a big influence and said his first band was in the vain of Deep Purple. Kai also named them as an influence. Markus named Roger Glover as an influence. Uli named Ian Paice as an influence.

Slade hard rock / glam rock band heavily rooted in rock ‘n’ roll. Kai named them as an early influence on him.

Led Zeppelin are one of the earliest and biggest hard rock bands. Roland and Markus named them and John Paul Jones as an influence.

Yes are an influential progressive rock band. Markus named Chris Squire as an influence.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Kai and Ingo said they were an influence. Markus named them and Geezer as an influence.

Uriah Heep were mostly a progressive rock band but also dabblers in early heavy metal. Michael and Markus named them as an influence. Kai named them as an influence and covered Uriah Heep in his first band and again later in Gamma Ray.

Wishbone Ash are an influential progressive rock band known for their guitar harmonies. Michael named them as an influence.

René Kollo

UFO are a hugely influential hard rock band. Michael named Michael Schenker as an influence. Markus also named UFO and Schenker as influences.

Sweet were a hard glam rock band. Kai named them as one of his early influences. Sweet were the first band Andi got into.

Thin Lizzy are a hugely influential rock band. Markus named them as an influence. Andi is also a fan.

Nektar progressive rock band from Germany. Markus named their album Recycled as an influence. — Nektar progressive rock band from Germany. Markus named their album *Recycled* as an influence.

ZZ Top are a Texan hard blues rock band. Markus named Dusty Hill as an influence.

Lee Sklar

Scorpions are were the fore runners of German metal and one of the earliest metal bands anywhere. Michael and Roland both named Scorpions and both Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth as influences. Markus also named Scorpions.

Mother’s Finest are a funk based band. Markus named Jerry "Wyzard" Seay as an influence.

Queen are a huge and influential rock band. Michael says they are an influence that he forgets to mention. Kai said they are one of his all time favorite bands. Roland named Brian May as an influence. Markus named John Deacon as an influence.

Aerosmith are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Michael and Kiske named them as an influence.

Judas Priest are one of the most influential bands and were important in shaping heavy metal. Kai said they were an influence and Halford has been a vocal influence for him. Michael also names them as an influence. Kiske named Halford as an influence. Roland named them as an influence. Markus named them and Ian Hill as an influence. Ingo said early on when he started playing he was trying to copy stuff like Judas Priest and named Simon Phillips as an influence. Andi named Halford as an influence and said he sang along to Unleashed in the East hundreds of times.

Rainbow was a legendary combination including Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Michael is a fan. Roland named them as an influence and Ritchie as an idol. Markus named Roger Glover and Jimmy Bain as an influence. Andi named Dio as an idol… — Rainbow was a legendary combination including Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Michael is a fan. Roland named them as an influence and Ritchie as an idol. Markus named Roger Glover and Jimmy Bain as an influence. Andi named Dio as an idol. Uli is a fan and names Cozy Powell as an influence.

Kiss are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Michael named them as an influence and named Paul Stanley is one of the best composers in rock and roll. Markus also named them as an influence. Andi is a huge fan and one of his biggest influences. Uli also named Kiss as an influence.

Rush are an important progressive hard rock band. Markus named Geddy Lee as an influence. Uli named Neil Peart.

Jaco Pastorius is an influential jazz-fusion bassist who played in Weather Report. Markus named him as an influence.

Ted Nugent was one of the big names on guitar in 70’s hard rock. Michael and Markus named him as an influence.

AC/DC are the quintessential hard rock band. Markus named them and Cliff Williams as an influence. Ingo named Phil Rudd as an influence.

Ramones are fathers of punk rock. Markus named them as an influence.

Sex Pistols are one of the most important early punk bands. Markus named them as an influence.

Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Markus named Lemmy as an influence.

Van Halen had a huge impact on the world of music when they came out. Michael named them as an influence. Roland also named Eddie. Uli named Alex as an influence.

Iron Maiden are among the most important and influential metal bands. Kai said they were an influence. Kiske named Bruce as an influence. Markus named them and Steve Harris as an influence. Uli named Nicko as an influence.

Accept are German Metal legends. Kai is a big fan.

Def Leppard were an actual metal band before going in a more mainstream direction. Markus named them as an influence.

U2 were a post-punk / alt rock band. Kiske named Bono as an influence.

Marcus Miller

Billy Sheehan

Michael Schenker formed MSG after leaving UFO. Schenker is one of Michael’s biggest influences. Roland and Sascha named MSG as an influence; Sascha as a main influence.

Ozzy formed his own band after his time with Black Sabbath and was blessed with great guitar players. Roland named Zakk Wylde as an influence. Markus named Ozzy as an influence.

Lee Rocker

After his time with legendary bands Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio moved on to form his own band. Kiske named him as one of the greatest vocalists. Andi also named him as one of his idols. Markus named Jimmy Bain as an influence. In… — After his time with legendary bands Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio moved on to form his own band. Kiske named him as one of the greatest vocalists. Andi also named him as one of his idols. Markus named Jimmy Bain as an influence. Ingo and Uli named Vinny Appice as an influence.

Queensryche are important for the evolution of progressive metal. Kiske named Geoff Tate as an influence. When Helloween decided to get a dedicated front man, Kai said they wanted someone like Geoff. Markus named Operation: Mindcrime as an influential album for him. Uli is also a fan. — Queensryche are important for the evolution of progressive metal. Kiske named Geoff Tate as an influence. When Helloween decided to get a dedicated front man, Kai said they wanted someone like Geoff. Markus named *Operation: Mindcrime* as an influential album for him. Uli is also a fan.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a funk / alt rock band. Markus named bassist Flea as an influence.

Phase Two

This phase adds new influences for Roland, Andi, and Uli that are not already noted.

Grand Funk Railroad was a big hard rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Styx were a popular progressive rock based arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Kansas were a popular progressive / arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Alex Conti

Journey were one of the biggest bands of the arena rock era. Roland said they were a band he was into.

Stevie Ray Vaughan is an influential blues player. Roland named him as an influence.

Foreigner were a popular arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Sting was singer / bassist of The Police and went on to be well known solo. Markus named him as an influence.

Toto are a rock / pop band. Roland and Sascha named them as an influence.

Yngwie Malmsteen has been one of the most influential shredders and important for the development of neo-classical styles in metal. Roland named him as an influence.

Saxon were one of the earliest of the NWOBHM. Uli named Nigel Glockler as an influence.

John Sykes

Deen Castronovo

Faith No More are an influential alternative band. Uli said they were one of his favorite bands from the late 80’s early 90’s.

Phase Three

This section adds the new influence brought to the band by Sascha that are not previously noted.

Genesis was an influential progressive rock band and later went in a more popular new wave style. Sascha is a fan.

Chicago is a pop / rock band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Dokken were on the poppy side of metal. Sascha named them as a main influence.

Peter Gabriel was originally singer and guitarist in Genesis before going solo. Sascha is a fan.

Saga are a progressive rock band and new wave during the early 80’s. Sacha named them as an influence.

Gary Numan

Lisa Dalbello

Duran Duran were a synth pop, new wave band. Sascha is a fan.

Depeche Mode were an influential new wave band. Sacha is a fan.

Phil Collins

Pretty Maids are a rock and occasional metal band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Bonfire are a keyboard heavy and ballad heavy rock / metal band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Pink Cream 69 was the original band of Andi. Sascha named them as an influence.

Bad English was a band that brought former Journey members back together. Sascha named them s an influence.

Kai started wanting to play drums but after the noise he was making on his makeshift drums set, his parents got him an acoustic guitar. He took six months of classical guitar lessons when he first started playing. He likes all kinds of bands from Bon Jovi to Venom, he didn’t name either as influence specifically. His early band Gentry covered Slade, the Sex Pistols and Uriah Heep.

Michael said in the beginning they wanted to “prove that we are more virtuoso and faster than Rainbow or Accept or Motorhead”.

Michael said that he does not draw influences from Iron Maiden or Metallica even though he thinks they are good bands. He has been asked about this often, but says all his influences are older. His first band he played in was formed in the late 70s before Maiden was known outside of their local area and long before Metallica was a thought. In a 2010 interview when asked what he was listening to he responded “I’m a big fan of Chris Cornell. Nirvana, you know, I hated their music when it first came out, now, it’s good and not so bad. I’m a fan of The Moody Blues and technical stuff from the 1970’s. I’m pretty open, even original Disco” He is also a fan of ELO and Meatloaf.

Kiske named TNT as an influence but there are several bands by that name but I can’t be sure who he was referring to.

Roland named In Flames, Jeff Loomis and Dimebag Darrel as later influences. He also said Joe Satriani and John Petrucci are good.

Sascha early influences come from his love of synth music. His Blackstar amp and Dean guitar profile pages both named Journey as one of his influences but I have not been able to verify that.

Ingo was the original drummer but is not credited with any writing. His playing style, however, has obviously set the standard for many power metal bands. His influences are noted above and all that I found were shared with other members.

Daniel Löble has been the drummer since 2005, he has only a few co-writing credits. I’m unsure of his influences.

Bands influenced by Helloween!

As this project advances, bands will be added here… there are many!

Modern metal mix

One of the big bands of new wave thrash

Sources:

http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/interviews/interview_gamma_ray.htm
https://www.gammaray.org/en/band/bandmembers/kai-hansen.html
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/kai_hansen_gamma_ray.htm
http://www.helloween.ru/press/hansen_metal_invader_xx_xx_1997_(rus).php
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/kai_hansen_gamma_ray_2.htm
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/GammaRay_KaiHansen.htm
http://www.helloween.ru/press/weikath_metal_forces_xx_xx_1986_(rus).php
http://www.ram.org/music/articles/weikathinterview.html
https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-helloween-mf16/
https://hardrockhideout.com/2010/05/17/helloweens-michael-weikath-the-hard-rock-hideout-interview/
http://www.helloween.ru/press/weikath_sea_of_tranquility_xx_xx_2003_(rus).php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJNjCl1hDo
http://www.truemetal.org/metalcrusade/interviews/helloween.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VcDGmBbkzE&t=55s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA8IBg53zp4
https://modernvocaltraining.webs.com/michaelkiske.htm
http://www.rock-archives.ru/rock-archive/h/helloween/rozovye_puzyrki_soshli_s_uma.html
https://masterplan-theband.com/about-us/roland-grapow/
https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/roland-grapow-of-masterplan-and-ex-helloween-interview-part-1/
https://myglobalmind.com/2013/06/26/exclusive-interview-with-roland-grapow-guitars-masterplanformer-helloween/
https://metalinsider.net/interviews/interview-roland-grapow-talks-masterplan-his-time-in-helloween-and-more
https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/interview/Roland_Grapow/5060
http://metalkings.com/reviews/masterplan/masterplan-eng.htm
https://www.auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/rolandgrapow-uk.html
https://crypticrock.com/interview-markus-grosskopf-of-helloween/
https://bassmyfever.weebly.com/the-pumpkin-bass-revolution-interview-with-markus-grosskopf.html
http://www.kingofdrums.net/199103.php
https://crypticrock.com/interview-andi-deris-of-helloween/
https://www.therockpit.net/2015/interview-markus-grosskopf-helloween/
http://powermetal.de/content/artikel/show-HELLOWEEN_PUMPKINS_UNITED_-_Interview_mit_Andi_Deris,9736-1.html
https://www.metal-rules.com/2016/03/10/helloween-guitarist-sascha-gerstner/
https://uber-rock.co.uk/sascha-gerstner-helloween-interview-exclusive/
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/metalholic/episodes/2014-03-22T10_45_11-07_00
https://rocksourcemagazine.com/2020/05/31/rock-source-interview-sascha-pace-palast/
http://finalsin.20m.com/INTERVIEW4.HTML
https://highday.tripod.com/helloween.html
https://www.slagwerkkrant.nl/nieuws/artikel/6-972/masterplan-drummer-talks-about-past-present-and-future
http://carlbegai.com/2013/02/03/bwbk-interview-helloween-into-the-fire/

Iron Savior Family Tree

December 08, 2020 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Iron Savior are a German heavy/power/speed metal band. Piet Sielck has bee the main songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist of the band. Only occasionally did other members write anything until more recent albums Rise of the Hero and Titancraft which are credited to the entire band. This tree will focus on Piet’s influences and other members that have contributed will be noted below.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Piet said he was a never big sabbath fan until Dio era Sabbath and has covered that ear of sabbath with Iron Savior.

Sweet were an inspirational hard rock / glam band in the 70’s. Piet said that him and Kai first bounded from their mutual liking of Sweet.

Nazareth were a hard rock band. Piet is a fan and has even covered Nazareth with Iron Savior.

AC/DC are the quintessential hard rock band. They were an early influence on Piet.

Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Piet named them as an early influence.

Judas Priest are dubbed the metal gods are probably the most quintessential metal band. Piet called them the ultimate metal band and has covered them over the years. Piet said him and Kai saw Priest open for AC/DC and hearing “Exciter shaped the way they both play.

Iron Maiden are the biggest of the NWOBHM bands and one of the most influential metal bands. Piet named them as an influence.

Accept are German heavy metal legends. Piet named them as an influence.

Piet and Kai Hansen of Helloween and Gamma Ray fame were in a band called Gentry as kids. They played a battle of the bands where they covered Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Uriah Heep. They also played some originals that later on would end up on Helloween and Gamma Ray albums. They also covered Sex Pistols at some time.

Piet said the idea of “robots and stuff” came from the album cover of Queen’s News of the World.

Piet mentions being influenced by NWOBHM bands but didn’t name specific ones other than Iron Maiden.

Kai Hansen played guitar on the first few albums but most of that material was written by Piet. A couple songs either written by him or with him but his influences will be listed with his primary bands Helloween and Gamma Ray.

Joachim "Piesel" Küstner has been on guitar since 2000. Jan-Sören Eckert on bass from 97-2003 and then 2011 till present. They only occasionally contributed on a few songs here and there until more recent albums Rise of the Hero and Titancraft which are more collaborative with the “Iron Savior” receiving writing credit. I’m unsure of either of their influences.

Drummer Thomas Nack was with the ban with the band from 99-2017 and toured with them earlier. He shares in credits on more recent albums Rise of the Hero and Titancraft, but I’m unsure of his influences.

More Family Trees

Sources:

https://www.metal-rules.com/2005/09/06/iron-savior-piet-sielck/
http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/interviews/interview_iron_savior2.htm
https://newnoisemagazine.com/interview-iron-savior-talks-rise-hero/
http://highday.tripod.com/ironsavior.html
http://metalkings.com/reviews/iron-savior/iron-savior-eng.htm
https://the-plague.net/post/182260879735/iron-savior-interview-piet-sielck-by-daniel-hinds

Pyramaze Family Tree

October 29, 2020 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

Metal Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Pyramaze are a Danish power metal band with plenty of symphonic and progressive elements. The band was formed by guitarist Michael Kammeyer and he is the primary writer of the first there albums with some impute from, also original member, Keyboardist Jonah Weingarten. Along with them the original line up of the band also consisted of bassist Niels Kvist and drummer Morten Gade Sørensen. Toke Skjønnemand stepped in as the second guitarist on the second album. Vocalists haven’t been consistent Lance King sang on the first two albums. The third album featured Matt Barlow of Iced Earth on vocals. In 2011 the band would have a temporary hiatus as Michael and Niels left the band. Pyramaze would continued without them with new vocalist Terje Haroy and guitarist/bassist Jacob Hansen along with the remaining members. At this point writing would be done by Jonah, Jacob, and Toke. Michael has also stated that even though who wrote the early stuff other members were free to be creative with their parts and add their own style to the music.

Electric Light Orchestra or ELO were a progressive rock / pop band. Jacob got their album Time when he was young and still loves the album. — Electric Light Orchestra or ELO were a progressive rock / pop band. Jacob got their album *Time* when he was young and still loves the album.

Howard Shore

James Horner

Iron Maiden are easily one of the most influential metal bands. Michael named Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in his top five albums list. Jacob is also a fan. — Iron Maiden are easily one of the most influential metal bands. Michael named *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* in his top five albums list. Jacob is also a fan.

Mercyful Fate are often remembered for King Diamond’s distinct vocals and satanic themes but should be recognized by their technical writing just as much. Jacob named them as an influence.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash. Michael named them as an early influence and Toke also named them as an influence.

Hanz Zimmer

Hans Zimmer is one of the most influential modern film composers. Jonah named him as an influence and in particular has named “The Last Samurai” film.

Danny Elfman is a influential film score composer. He’s probably best known for his work with Tim Burton movies. Jonah named him as an influence.

Slayer were the most aggressive thrash band in the early days of thrash. Jacob named them as an influence.

Dark Angel are a relatively underground thrash band but important. Jacob named them as an influence.

Bon Jovi was a popular hard rock / Glam band. Michael named them as the band that first made him want to play guitar. Toke also named them as an influence.

Jag Panzer are an American heavy metal band part of the “US Power metal” movement. Michael named them as an influence.

Destruction are one of the most important of the German Thrash scene. Jacob said they were his favorite thrash band.

Joe Satriani is an influential instrumental rock guitarist. Toke named him as an important influence.

King Diamond formed his own influential band after his time with Mercyful Fate. Jacob named Kind Diamond as an influence.

From their speed metal origins, Blind Guardian has grown into one of the biggest power metal bands. Michael named Marcus Siepen, and Andre Olbrich among guitarists he admires the most

Stratovarius are an important Finnish power metal band. Michael named their album Episode in his top 5. — Stratovarius are an important Finnish power metal band. Michael named their album *Episode* in his top 5.

Iced Earth are often considered power metal although that can be debated on their earlier albums. Michael named Jon Schaffer among the guitar players he admires the most.

Mr. Big were a rock band featuring Paul Gilbert on guitars. Toke named them and Paul as an important influence.

Freak Kitchen are an experimental rock band from Sweden. Toke named them as an influence.

Kamelot area power / symphonic metal band. Michael named them as an influence.

Nightwish are the band that popularized symphonic metal. Michael named Erno Vuorinen among the guitarists he admires the most. Jonah also named Nightwish as an influence.

Children of Bodom are a considered a melodic death metal band by most but certainly stand out from other bands of the genre. Jonah named them as an influence.

Michael named early influences as bands like Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Metallica, and Aerosmith. He discovered “real” metal relatively late at 19.

Jonah says they owe a lot musically to bands like Iron Maiden, Queensyche, Metallica, and Megadeth. He also mentions listening to Enya growing up.

Jacob’s first musical influence was his dad’s Beatle’s records. He also mentions liking ABBA when he was young. Jacob says he is influenced by German thrash but only names Destruction. He also mentions being a fan of Queensryche and Fates Warning and LEO.

More Family Trees

Sources:

https://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-pyramaze-michael.html
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/pyramaze2.htm
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/pyramaze.htm
http://www.friday13thmetal.co.uk/Page%203%20-%20Interviews/Pyramaze/new_page_1.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uz8mLPWdDc
https://ladyobscure.com/jonah-weingarten-of-pyramaze/
https://myglobalmind.com/2018/07/20/interview-with-we-are-sentinels-keyboardist-and-composer-jonah-weingarten-pyramaze/
https://www.facebook.com/Pyramaze/posts/10152082473348919/
http://www.sarkophag-rocks.com/html/jacob-pyramaze-13-10-15.html
https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2009/06/14/interview-with-jacob-hansen-anubis-gate/

Primal Fear Family Tree

August 20, 2020 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

Metal Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Primal Fear bring some amazing power/speed/heavy metal from Germany. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers and bassist Mat Sinner have been the only two members to be consistent in the band. The band has changed guitar players and drummers multiple times but most members have contributed to writing over the years.

One of the early band to push rock into a harder sound, The who have been a big influence on many. Klaus named Keith Moon as one of his influences.

The hugely influential Deep Purple is one of Mat’s influences. He named Glen Hughes as one of his biggest influences.

Allan Holdsworth

British glam rockers were a band that Ralf used to sing along to when he was younger before discovering Priest.

One of the leading bands to bring the harmonized guitar sound, Thin Lizzy has been a big influence on many. Mat names Phil Lynott as one of his musical heros. Tom also named guitarist John Sykes as an influence.

This one seems very obvious with much of early Primal Fear sounding like a continuation of Painkiller. Ralf said he was introduced to Judas Priest at 15 and was blown away. Tom said Priest was the reason he started playing guitar. Stefan is a big fan and said he practiced a lot of Priest songs. Klaus and Magnus name Priest as an influence.

Arena rockers Journey certainly on the popular side of rock. Tom named guitarist Neal Schon as an influence as well as Journey one of his favorite bands.

Steve Morse

Sting who got his start in new wave band The Police was named as an influence by Mat.

One of the earliest of the NWOBHM movement, Saxon. Ralf named them as an influence. Klaus names Saxon as an influence.

Steve Lukather

Yngwie is one of the most influential guitar players. Stefan names him as his biggest influences but says he doesn’t think he plays that much like him and Yngwie plays to many solos in his songs.

The biggest and most influential band form the NWOBHM and one of the most influential period. Ralf named them as an influence. Klaus and Magnus also name Maiden as an influence

Fellow Germans and heavy metal legends, Ralf named Accept as an influence. Klaus also names them as an influence.

Steve Vai is a virtuoso player that many guitar players drool over. Magnus names him a main influence.

John Sykes

The fathers of thrash metal. Stefan said when it comes to rhythm Metallica is one of his main influences.

The earliest of the Bay Area scene and thrash legends, Exodus were an influence on Klaus’s drumming.

The arena rock/glam metal band Night Ranger is named as a favorite band of Tom who names guitarist Brad Gillis as an influence.

One of most aggressive of the American thrash bands, Slayer pushed the boundaries of metal early on. Stefan is a big fan and is influenced by their riffing. Klaus is also influenced by Slayer.

The great Ronnie James Dio has been a huge influence on many. Magnus names his band as an influence.

Considered the earliest of progressive metal, Queensryche is named as a influence by Magnus.

Dave Mustaine could easily be considered the father of thrash metal. Stefan named Megadeth as a main influence on his rhythm playing.

Thrash legends Testament were an influence on Klaus’s drumming.

Paul Gilbert

Kip Winger

Dream Theater are not the first progressive metal band but certainly have defined it. Stefan named his favorite album as Images and Words and named John Petrucci as a big influence. — Dream Theater are not the first progressive metal band but certainly have defined it. Stefan named his favorite album as *Images and Words* and named John Petrucci as a big influence.

On the Primal Fear website Mat’s favorite bands are listed as Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), Sting, Kip Winger, Billy Idol/Steve Stevens, and Steve Jones (Sex Pistols). In one interview when asked about favorite bands he names a lot of really lame stuff a long side some cooler bands… Between him and Tom it is amazing that Primal Fear isn’t complete crap.

Tom said he grew up listening to Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Def Lepard, Van Halen, and Nightranger. He sucks though and now he says he listens to stuff like Pantera, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach.

Stephan said he first got into metal through Rainbow and then moved to Judas Priest and then thrash like Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer before getting into Yngwie Malmsteen. More “modern” bands he said he was into are Faith no More, Clawfinger and Dream Theater.

Henny in an interview named Motörhead, Rose Tattoo, ZZ Top, Status Quo and AC/DC as influences for Nitrogods.

From what I can tell drummer Randy Black has only one co-writing credit. He names influences as: Keith Moon, John Bonham, Neil Peart of RUSH and Terry Bozzio. He said the newest drummer he likes i Jaska Raatikainen of Children of Bodom.

Magnus among the influences mentioned above says he’s a huge fan of NWOBHM bands.

Alex has been on guitar duty for a while, but I’m uncertain if he does any writing in the band. If anyone can confirm that I will add his influences to the main list. He names early influences as KIss, Status Quo, then Deep Purple and Rainbow being he is a huge Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, and Randy Rhoads fan. He also names Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, John Sykes and Chris Impellitteri.

From what I can tell newer drummers don’t have any writing credits, I’ll revisit them if I find out otherwise.

More Family Trees

Sources:

http://kkdowning.net/steelmill/Interviews/ralf-scheepers/
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/ralph_scheepers_primal.htm
http://www.primalfear.de/home/band/mat-sinner/
http://www.primalfear.de/home/band/tom-naumann/
https://young-metal.webnode.es/news/interview-tom-naumann-primal-fear/
https://www.revolution-inc.dk/tekst/tag/Tom%20Naumann
https://auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/Nitrogods2012-uk.html
http://nuclearfire.tripod.com/steeleagle/id21.html
http://steeleagle.20m.com/sperling.html
https://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-primalfear-black.html
http://metalexiles.com/magnus-karlsson-the-ferryman.html
https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2015/11/interview-magnus-karlsson-freefall-primal-fear-last-tribe-starbreaker-etc/
http://metalkings.com/reviews/silent-force/silent-force-eng-2004.htm
https://www.seigneursdumetal.fr/index.php?page=interview&id_inter=284

Firewind Family Tree

May 21, 2020 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

Power/Heavy Metal from the virtuoso guitarist Gus G.