
NIGHTBEARER was formed in 2017 by Michael Torka and Dominik Hellmuth as an old-school death metal band, driven by their passion to fulfill a longtime dream: to create straightforward death metal inspired by the glorious 1990s. Over the years, the band has retained its signature HM-2 Chainsaw guitar sound, thematic focus, and enduring love for death metal. While staying true to their roots, they have incorporated new elements and placed a stronger emphasis on atmosphere, without compromising the “old-school” essence in favor of a “modern” sound.
Horror and fantasy literature provide the conceptual foundation for the band, with influential authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Philip Pullman shaping their themes.
In the winter of 2017, NIGHTBEARER produced their 5-track EP, Stories from Beyond, at Hellmouth Studios. It was released on June 30, 2018, on CD and digitally via Unholy Fire Records, featuring artwork by Timon Kokott. The EP received overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback, affirming the band’s chosen direction. This success encouraged the project to evolve into a full band with the help of musician friends.
In December 2019, NIGHTBEARER released their debut album, Tales of Sorcery and Death, through the renowned German death metal label Testimony Records. Available on CD, LP, tape, and digitally, the album showcased artwork by Juanjo Castellano Rosado (The Black Dahlia Murder, Revel in Flesh, and Sentient Horror). The release was met with critical acclaim, earning a Soundcheck No. 8 spot in Germany’s Rock Hard magazine and praise from various online zines.
Their 2022 follow-up album, Ghosts of a Darkness to Come, takes listeners on a journey into the bloody, dark, and deadly events of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time. Once again released through Testimony Records on CD, LP, and as a digital download, the album continued their collaboration with artist Juanjo
Castellano Rosado. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews, further solidifying NIGHTBEARER’s standing in the death metal scene.
In 2023, NIGHTBEARER delivered powerful performances at notable festivals such as Metal Diver Festival and Party.San Herbstoffensive. The band is currently working on their third studio album, slated for release in mid-2025.