"Wahre helden" (F.A.M.E. Recordings/ 1999)
"Von spitzbuben und anderen halunken" (F.A.M.E. Recordings/ 2001)
"Narrenkonig" (F.A.M.E. Recordings/ 2002)
"Hexenkessel" (F.A.M.E. Recordings/ 2003) Live CD + DVD
A classic case of a German band that while receiving honors and glory in their country is totally unknown outside its borders. I will start believing that the German bands are addressed to the large German market intentionally, ignoring for the rest of the fans (other way, tell me if you can how is it possible they have kept like the most beloved of secrets for a lot of years four wonderful albums ). In our subject now, SCHANDMAUL are twisted in the fairy folk rock and in order to become more specific search for memories from the monumental creation of Nolan-Wakeman called "Jabberwocky" then add a lot of SKYCLAD doses (of their acoustic period ) while sprinkling the mix with SUBWAY TO SALLY influences. A guide to the elvish dance and a leader in their enchanting is none other than the bagpipes and the flute. Both of them, together with dozens of other traditional instruments (the use of a lot of instruments is still a favorite habit of the Germans) they build the ambivalent of the electric side wall, having the lion’s share concerning the bases upon their traveling tunes are masterly constructed. Their discography, three studio albums and a live (with a DVD) is presented as a whole and not isolated because by listening to them in their chronological order I understood the unbreakable relation they have. "Wahre helden", quite simple as a debut, is charming the listener with its rusticity. "Von spitzbuben und anderen hahunken" is handed over the torch fastening the developments in the creative level, while "Narrenkonig", being more more mature than its predecessors, leaves a consignment for the future. In SCHANDMAUL I found ADARO’s lost glory, even if the latter were showing their inclination towards medieval, lost throughout the centuries compositions, in contrary with SCHANDMAUL who trust their own powers while influenced from known German folk-medieval-pagan (and so on…) bands. If you have to choose only one album, then a very good idea for a first meeting with SCHANDMAUL would be "Hexenkessel", where you can find songs from their whole discography in live versions plus you will have the visual experience of their live shows through the quite filling DVD.
