Saltatio Mortis is a German medieval metal band from Karlsruhe, formed in 2000. Their name is Latin for 'dance of death' - a nod to the Danse Macabre - and they built their reputation by fusing bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy and shawms with hard rock guitars and drums. Since their first chart-topper in 2013, they have landed five number-one albums in Germany, including the gold-certified 'Zirkus Zeitgeist' (2015), and are known for elaborate, high-energy live shows.
The band launched the 'Staub & Schatten' project: a series of five EPs releasing all 15 songs of their upcoming 2027 studio album, with the first EP 'Heimkehr' out on 23 January 2026.
The 25th-anniversary fan-voted compilation 'Weltenwanderer - Von Träumen & Krawall' (50 tracks across 5 discs) was released on 25 July 2025, accompanied by the Weltenwanderer headline tour.
Saltatio Mortis played their 25th anniversary show at Wacken Open Air 2025.
A deluxe collector's edition of 'Finsterwacht' - the 'Feuer & Erz Edition' - was released on 6 December 2024, featuring a double-LP with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and live recordings from the 2024 castle tour.
Bagpipe player Luzi das L left the band after 14 years together, with the split attributed to musical and personal differences.
German medieval music ensemble Saltatio Mortis performs their distinctive sound under the stars in Stuttgart.
German band Saltatio Mortis performs their music as part of a European concert tour.
Concert featuring Saltatio Mortis and Subway to Sally in Klagenfurt.
Saltatio Mortis bring their Burgentour to Kempten's open-air venue, performing songs from their album "Staub & Schatten".
German medieval metal band Saltatio Mortis brings their Burgentour with the programme "Staub & Schatten" to Regensburg.
German folk-metal band Saltatio Mortis performs "Staub & Schatten" at the historic Wasserschloss Klaffenbach castle.