German folk rock frontrunners SCHANDMAUL aim for the stars in a new lineup: the upcoming album, Sternensegler (Engl. “star sailor”), coming September 11, 2026 via Napalm Records, is their first album with Till Herence on vocals. The new singer already filled in during live shows starting in 2024 when Thomas Lindner had to step back from the microphone due to illness. But just as on stage, SCHANDMAUL’s founder is still around, switching to instruments instead, and together, the folk rock band steers into an unexpected but masterfully re-navigated musical future.
 
SCHANDMAUL rise from the rough sea convincingly and make for calmer, sparkling waters led by their valiant captain, Thomas Lindner. Expanded by longtime companion Till Herence, the crew works together seamlessly on Sternensegler—turning the album itself into the guiding star for their new direction.
 
SCHANDMAUL about the new album:
“Our Sternensegler rises powerfully like a phoenix from the ashes—and that same strength is reflected in these new songs. They symbolize rebirth and are a sign of unity and friendship. That’s how you deal with setbacks. Giving up was never an option for us. Let’s look ahead and set sail for new horizons!”

Sternensegler sets its sails with “Nimm alles mit” (Engl. “take everything with you”). SCHANDMAUL paint a positive image with their opening track, casting off from their previous port fueled by joy and luck, and leave the dark echo of their recent past behind with an enticing arc of suspense. The title track, “Sternensegler”, offers fans a hand, while “Beide Füße in der Luft” (Engl. “both feet in the air”) shows the harsher side of the band early on while simultaneously emphasizing the voice of Till Herence, which carries SCHANDMAUL through dire times. Following, they hoist up their “Flagge” (Engl. flag): the song is a clear political statement supporting diversity, both a warning and encouragement—we stand together! “Nosferatu” and “Wo Sprache aufhört” (Engl. “where language ends”) again show a calmer side of the band that has been a regular in the top 5 of the Official German Album Charts for years, reaching the top position in 2016 with LeuchtFeuer.

Then, “In der Hand” (Engl. “in hand”), the first single they ever released with their new frontman in 2025, finds its album home. “Things will never quiet down around us,” SCHANDMAUL already stated back then with the lyric “Um uns wird es niemals leise”—Sternensegler proves it. Exhilerating “An beiden Enden” (Engl. “at both ends”) brings sing-along parts and purposefulness. After “Lass nicht los” (Engl. “don’t let go”) comes “Trag dich” (Engl. “carry you”), a love ballad, before “Zwei Raben” (Engl. “two ravens”), feat. Laura Fella (Faun), leads the ship into a safe new haven.

Sternensegler tracklisting:

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)

Sternensegler also comes with additional cargo: the bonus album included in some editions contains instrumental harp versions of seven songs, as well as the previously released “Räuber und Narren” (Engl. “outlaws and fools”), a collaboration with fellow medieval rock band SUBWAY TO SALLY.

Sternensegler bonus album tracklisting:

1. Sternensegler (acoustic version)
2. Beide Füße in der Luft (acoustic version)
3. Nosferatu (acoustic version)
4. In der Hand (acoustic version)
5. Lass nicht los (acoustic version)
6. Trag Dich (acoustic version)
7. Zwei Raben (acoustic version)
8. Räuber und. Narren (feat. SUBWAY TO SALLY)

Photo: Daniel Sommer