The nyckelharpa – a fascinating marvel of sound. At first glance, it resembles a violin, as it is played with a bow. But at the same time, it requires the musician to play numerous keys; a complex combination that only a few have mastered. One of the few masters of this instrument is Thomas Roth. “Basically, my work involves constantly placing the nyckelharpa, with its long tradition, in new musical contexts. The results are always totally exciting. As are the encounters with musicians from various musical genres whom I meet and work with,” says Thomas Roth, who, with his talent and charisma, embodies a unique mixture of bard and adventurer.

With the Geyers (known as “Geyers Schwarzer Haufen” from 1983 onwards), Thomas was a founding member of the first band in Germany to combine rock with medieval music, using traditional medieval instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and the nyckelharpa. The Geyers disbanded in 2014 after the sudden accidental death of their drummer Jost Pogrzeba. From then on, Thomas Roth spent a lot of time touring with Blackmore's Night, the band in which former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his wife Candice Night mixed rock and folk with medieval Renaissance influences.

Thomas Roth's playing on the nyckelharpa is sensitive and full of passion – a window into his soul. In his melodies and harmonies, he tells stories and shares experiences. Sometimes playful and cheerful, then again profound and dramatic, and sometimes melancholic.

Thomas Roth: “On my journey with the nyckelharpa, I have broken new ground with my new album ‘Maskenball’. There are musical surprises and collaborations with extremely interesting guest musicians. For the visual accompaniment to the title track ‘Maskenball’, I produced a fantastic music video under the direction of Alex Krull, which wonderfully reflects the song and the mood of the music.” Alex Krull (also Tanzwut, Elis, and Erben Der Schöpfung, among others) also produced the album. For the song “Jerusalem,” Thomas Roth brought Elina Siirala from Leaves' Eyes and Atrocity into the studio as a guest singer. The video for “Maskenball” features Zoe Marie Federoff and Donny Burbage from the renowned metal band Cradle of Filth, among others. As you can see, Thomas Roth's music knows no genre boundaries.

1. Le Grand Louis
2. Maskenball
3. Jerusalem
4. Tanz
5. Welsh Air
6. Der Mann aus Halle
7. Swedish Pictures
8. Seasick Sailor
9. Ingredients