An intense live act with an elaborate stage show, Saltatio Mortis lead Germany's Middle Ages band -- or "Mittelalterband" -- movement by being one the first groups to combine giant rock songs with Middle Age instruments like lutes and bagpipes. The band was formed in 2000 near the German city of Mannheim and played a handful of shows that year dressed in Middle Age attire. They made their debut on record a year later with their self-released debut, Tavernakel. In 2002, they joined the international metal label Napalm, which reissued their debut along with their new album, Das Zweite Gesicht. A steady stream of releases followed, including their 2007 album, Aus der Asche. ~ David Jeffries