Eisbrecher Biography

Eisbrecher is a German Neue Deutsche Härte band that consists primarily of Alexander Wesselsky (Vocals) and Noel Pix (Lead Guitar/Programming), with live support of Jürgen Plangger (Guitar), Olli Pohl (Bass), René Greil (Drums), Max “maximator” Schuar (Keyboards/Programming). In the US and Canada, their record label is now Metropolis Records.

History

Formation and early years (2003-2008)

The band’s name in translation from German means “Icebreaker”. The band’s lyrics and slogans often include terms of ice and sailing, such as “Ahoi” (Ahoy) and “Es wird kalt” (It’s getting cold). The band’s frontman, Alexx Wesselsky, often wears naval and military clothing in performances.

After leaving Megaherz due to creative differences in 2003, Alexx got together with Noel Pix, who composed the synths and programming for Megaherz’s albums Himmelfahrt and Kopfschuss.

While the debut album, Eisbrecher, released in early 2004, (featuring a song also named Eisbrecher), had more of an electronic sound, its next release, Antikörper, released in October 2006, had a far heavier, metallic style. However, the band remains true to its roots, and the similarity between albums is not entirely unrecognizable, ensuring the group’s identity remains firmly attached to the industrial metal genre. The first 5000 copies of the debut album included a blank CD along with permission for purchases to legally copy the music onto the blank. This was done as a protest against what the band felt was a “criminalization” of fans.

In May 2008 live bass player Martin Motnik announced that he would be leaving the band due to heavy travel issues. the band would then immediately replace Martin with a former megaherz guitar player Olliver Pohl.
A single, “Kann denn Liebe Sünde Sein,” from Eisbrecher’s as-then-unreleased third album was released on July 18, 2008 in Germany and reached 3rd place on the German Alternative charts.

The album Sünde was released on August 22, 2008 in Germany and debuted on the Media Control Charts at the 18th position. The band then went on their biggest tour thus far between Sept, 2008 and Oct, 2009, playing shows in (Germany, Austria, Russia, Netherlands & Switzerland).

Metropolis Records and upcoming 4th studio album (2009-present)

Anna Schneider from the Eisbrecher webpage has stated that there were plans for two music videos. One being “This is Deutsch” and “Kann denn Liebe Sünde sein”, but Eisbrecher has decided to work on new material and live shows.

In early March, 2009 the band had signed with a new American music label Metropolis Records, due to Dancing Ferret closing their doors in late 2008.

On April 24, 2009, Alexx and Noel were guests on Radio Goethe to promote the American release of Sünde. Alexx mentioned that he would love to tour the United States “As soon as possible”. Alexx also mentioned that with the huge popularity of Rammstein, Nena and Falco , he hopes that Eisbrecher can become the next big German act in the States. Lastly, Alexx talks about their upcoming fourth album, no album title has been named, but work is in progress. He describes that the new album will be “Very rockish, very pop and very heart breaking.”

On July 10, 2009, their official website stated that Alexx and Noel are working on their fourth studio album and is expected to be released in early 2010. This will be Alexx’s 9th Album overall on Vocals as the first 5 (Herzwerk, Wer Bist Du?, Kopfschuss, Himmelfahrt & Herzwerk II) were from his Megaherz days. On January 1, 2010 on the bands official website they announced that their 4th studio album will be in stores in mid April.

The band has performed at many large European music festivals including the (Nova Rock, Summer Breeze, Wave-Gotik-Treffen, M’era Luna, Amphi & Zita Rock) festivals.

Members

• Alexx Wesselsky – (Vocals) (2003-present)
• Noel Pix – (Lead Guitar) (2003-present)
• Jürgen Plangger – (Rhythm Guitar) (2007-present)
• Olli Pohl – (Bass Guitar) (2008-present)
• Rene Greil – (Drums, Percussion) (2003-present)
• Max “Maximator” Schuar – (Keyboards, Programming) (2003-present)

Former members

• Feelix Primc – (Rhythm Guitar) (2003-2007)
• Micheal Behnke – (Bass Guitar) (2003-2007)
• Martin Motnik – (Bass Guitar) (2007-2008)