heavy-metal-darkness: Kerrigan |Wayfarer |High Roller Records

Friday, March 20, 2026

Kerrigan |Wayfarer |High Roller Records

Release Date 27.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Heavy Metal
Country Germany

Germany’s heavy metal forge is back at it. Born in Freiburg in 2019, the duo of Bruno Schotten and Jonas Weber started out with a demo that sounded like they’d been breathing 1982 air their whole lives. After a killer debut with “Bloodmoon” in 2023, they’ve expanded to a full four-piece lineup with Jakob Zeblin and Jonathan Döring. This isn't just a project anymore; it’s a full-blown unit that sounds like they’ve been drinking from the same rusted well as the NWOBHM greats.

If you’re tired of over-produced plastic garbage, “Wayfarer” is the medicine. These guys are cut from the same denim as Spellcaster, Cauldron, or Skull Fist, bringing that high-energy melodic bite that makes you want to drive too fast. It’s got that specific High Roller Records stamp of quality, authentic, loud, and dripping with melody. This is easily one of the premier heavy metal albums to drop this year, and it’s going to make a lot of older bands look lazy by comparison.

The songwriting on this beast is top-tier. Songs like “The Ice Witch” and “Blood And Steel” have hooks that stick in your brain like a jagged barb. They manage to be catchy without being cheesy, which is a thin line most bands trip over. There’s a certain melancholy running through the melodies, but the rhythm section keeps things moving at a pace that keeps your head moving. Even when they throw a curveball with a more "happy" track like “Fighter”, it still carries enough steel to belong on a metal album.

The production handled by Christoph Brandes is exactly what this style needs. It sounds big and expansive without losing that basement-born energy. Jonas Weber’s vocals have improved significantly, sounding more seasoned and melodic, while the twin guitar work between him and Schotten provides a masterclass in traditional riffing. Every track on the 42-minute runtime earns its keep. There is no filler here, just pure, high-octane heavy metal that honors the masters while establishing its own identity.

“Wayfarer” is a mandatory purchase for anyone who still worships at the altar of the riff. Kerrigan has stepped up their game and delivered a record that manages to be versatile and exciting. It’s got speed, it’s got atmosphere, and most importantly, it’s got soul. If you don't have this in your collection by the end of the month, you’re doing heavy metal wrong.

Score: 9.0