Jörg Michael
Encyclopedia
Jörg Michael is a German
drummer
. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish
power metal
band Stratovarius
and several other bands.
Most of the bands Michael has played with are in the power metal genre. The first album he recorded was Prayers of Steel
with Avenger (the band would later change their name to Rage
). By the mid-80s he was no longer attached to a single band but concentrated on working as a studio session drummer; hence the long list of bands and albums he has been involved with.
With Rage
With Mekong Delta
With Axel Rudi Pell
With Grave Digger
With Running Wild
With Stratovarius
5000 Delta Accelerator pedals, and Vic Firth
sticks. Previously he used Premier
drums primarily and Tama drums on some occasions.
Cymbals by Meinl
Sticks
Drum chair by Tama
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
band Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
and several other bands.
Most of the bands Michael has played with are in the power metal genre. The first album he recorded was Prayers of Steel
Prayers of Steel
Prayers of Steel is the name of the only full-length album released by the German heavy metal band Avenger in 1985, before they changed their name to Rage. The only other release that followed under the name Avenger was the EP Depraved to Black...
with Avenger (the band would later change their name to Rage
Rage (band)
Rage are a German heavy metal band, formed in 1984. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s, along with bands such as Helloween, Running Wild and Blind Guardian.-Background:...
). By the mid-80s he was no longer attached to a single band but concentrated on working as a studio session drummer; hence the long list of bands and albums he has been involved with.
With RageRage (band)Rage are a German heavy metal band, formed in 1984. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s, along with bands such as Helloween, Running Wild and Blind Guardian.-Background:...
- Reign of FearReign of FearReign of Fear is the debut full-length album by the German heavy metal band Rage. It was released in 1986. The album was remastered by Noise/Sanctuary in 2002 with slightly altered cover art, and five bonus tracks.-Track listing:...
(1986) - Execution GuaranteedExecution GuaranteedExecution Guaranteed is the second full-length album released by the heavy metal band Rage in 1987. The album was remastered by Noise/Sanctuary in 2002 with slightly altered cover art, and six bonus tracks...
(1987) - 10 Years in Rage10 Years in Rage10 Years in Rage is the eighth full-length album released by the German speed metal band Rage in 1994. It contains new material and previously unreleased tracks from the band's long career, as well the re-recording of "Prayers of Steel", from Avenger's first album and a medley of Rage's fan...
(1994)
With Mekong DeltaMekong Delta (band)Mekong Delta is a German progressive/thrash metal band, formed in 1985.-History:The band was founded by a group of German metal musicians with the goal to 'musically outshine' all then-current, independent releases. The line-up and the history of the group was to be "the best kept secret in the...
- Mekong Delta (1986)
- The Music of Erich Zann (1988)
- Toccata (1989)
- The Principle of DoubtThe Principle of DoubtThe Principle of Doubt is the 3rd album from progressive/thrash metal band Mekong Delta, released in 1989.-Track listing:# A Question of Trust - 3:27# The Principle of Doubt - 4:48# Once I Believed - 4:30# Ever Since Time Began - 4:25...
(1989) - Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)Dances of Death is the 4th album from progressive/thrash metal band Mekong Delta, released in 1990-Track listing:# Dances of Death - 19:11#*Introduction - 1:11 #*Eruption - 1:34...
(1990) - Classics (1993)
With Axel Rudi PellAxel Rudi PellAxel Rudi Pell is a German guitar player, playing melodic heavy metal. He started off with the band Steeler before leaving to start his solo career in 1989 with the eponymous band Axel Rudi Pell...
- Wild ObsessionWild ObsessionWild Obsession is the first solo album from German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell after leaving German heavy metal band Steeler. It was released 1989 on Steamhammer Records.- Track listing :#"Wild Cat" - 3:38...
(1989) - Nasty ReputationNasty ReputationNasty Reputation is the second solo album from German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell. It was released 30 November 1991 on Steamhammer Records...
(1990) - Eternal PrisonerEternal PrisonerEternal Prisoner is the third solo album from German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell. It was released 1992 on Steamhammer Records, and re-released in 2003....
(1992) - The Ballads (1993)
- Between the WallsBetween the WallsBetween the Walls is the fourth solo album from German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell. It was released 20 June 1994 on Steamhammer Records. -Track listing:#"The Curse" - 1:17#"Talk of the Guns" - 4:54#"Warrior" - 5:13...
(1994) - Made in GermanyMade in Germany (Axel Rudi Pell album)Made in Germany was the first live album released by German heavy metal guitarist Axel Rudi Pell. The album has 1CD and was recorded over 2 days...
(1995) - Black Moon PyramidBlack Moon PyramidBlack Moon Pyramid is the fifth solo album from German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell. It was released 30 November 1996 on Steamhammer Records...
(1996) - MagicMagic (Axel Rudi Pell album)Magic is the sixth studio album released by Axel Rudi Pell. It is also the last album released by Axel Rudi Pell which featured Jeff Scott Soto and Christian Wolff...
(1997) - Oceans of TimeOceans of TimeOceans of Time is the seventh studio album by German heavy metal guitarist Axel Rudi Pell, released in September 1998 on Steamhammer Records....
(1998) - The Ballads II (1999)
With Laos
- Laos (1989)
- We Want It (EP, 1990)
- More than a Feeling (EP, 1993)
- Come Tomorrow (EP, 1993)
With Headhunter
- Parody of Life (1990)
- A Bizarre Gardening Accident (1993)
- Rebirth (1994)
- Parasite Of Society (2008)
With Grave DiggerGrave Digger (band)Grave Digger are a German heavy metal/power metal band formed in 1980. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s.-Band history:...
- The ReaperThe ReaperThe Reaper is fifth studio album by the German Power metal/Speed metal band Grave Digger. It was released on 2 November 1993 for the label GUN Records. This was the band's return after a long hiatus, released seven years after their previous album War Games.- About the album :A new line-up was...
(1993) - Symphony Of DeathSymphony Of DeathSymphony of Death is an EP released by Grave Digger.- Track listing :# "Intro"# "Symphony of Death"# "Back to the Roots"# "House of Horror"# "Shout it Out"# "World of Fools"# "Wild and Dangerous"- Line-up :*Chris Boltendahl - Vocals...
(EP, 1994)
With Running WildRunning Wild (band)Running Wild is a German heavy metal band, formed in 1976 in Hamburg. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s. The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of Under...
- Black Hand InnBlack Hand InnBlack Hand Inn is the eighth Running Wild studio album, released March 24, 1994 by Noise Records. It is a loose concept album about a resurrected man, against a backdrop of piracy, foreseeing Armageddon....
(1994) - Masquerade (1995)
- The RivalryThe Rivalry (album)The Rivalry is an album by German band Running Wild. It is the second in a trilogy of a theme of good versus evil, begun with Masquerade and concluded with Victory.The album has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.-Track listing:...
(1998)
With StratovariusStratovariusStratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
- EpisodeEpisode (album)Episode is the fifth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1996 through Noise Records. This is the first recording to feature keyboardist Jens Johansson and drummer Jörg Michael, who would form part of the band's most stable line-up for nine years.-Track...
(1996) - VisionsVisions (Stratovarius album)Visions is the sixth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1997 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, background vocals, mastering, production...
(1997) - Visions of EuropeVisions of EuropeLive Visions of Europe is a live album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. The album was recorded in Italy and Greece during their tour for their album Visions.- Disc 1 : - Disc 2 :-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
-Live (1998) - DestinyDestiny (Stratovarius album)Destiny is the seventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1998 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production...
(1998) - The Chosen OnesThe Chosen OnesThe Chosen Ones is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It is an official compilation album released by Noise Records after Stratovarius changed labels and signed with Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:...
-Best of (1999) - InfiniteInfinite (Stratovarius album)Infinite is the eighth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2000 through Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production*Jens Johansson – keyboard...
(1999) - IntermissionIntermission (Stratovarius album)Intermission is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album is compiled of covers, live and bonus tracks, and four new songs.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
(2000) - Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1 is the ninth album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius.-Track listing:A limited 2cd box was also released through the Stratoshop, and featured the following:-Info:...
(2002) - Elements, Pt. 2Elements, Pt. 2A limited 2 cd box set was released through Stratoshop and featured the following:LP track listing is as follows:SIDE A:SIDE B:-Personnel:* Timo Kotipelto - Vocals* Timo Tolkki - Guitar* Jari Kainulainen - Bass* Jens Johansson - Keyboards...
(2003) - StratovariusStratovarius (album)Stratovarius is the self-titled eleventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2005 through Sanctuary Records. It is the last album to feature the band's longest-standing lineup which had been consistent since Episode , as bassist Jari Kainulainen would leave later in...
(2005) - PolarisPolaris (Stratovarius album)-Japanese track listing:On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:- Reception :-2010 Re-Release:On May 21, 2010, Polaris was re-released along with a live album called "Polaris Live" with the following track listing:# Destiny# Hunting High and Low# Speed of Light...
(2009) - ElysiumElysium (Stratovarius album)Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:...
(2011)
With Saxon
- LionheartLionheart (Saxon album)Lionheart is the sixteenth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 2004 .The album title is inspired from Richard Lionheart, King of England. "Beyond the Grave" was released as a single and a video...
(2004) - The Eagle Has Landed - Pt. III (2006) - Drums on "Lionheart tour" tracks
Equipment
Michael currently uses Kirchhoff Schlagwerk drums made of acrylic, Meinl AMUN/MB20 Series cymbals, DWDrum Workshop
Drum Workshop is a drum and hardware manufacturing company based in Oxnard, California. Their slogan is "The Drummer's Choice".-History:...
5000 Delta Accelerator pedals, and Vic Firth
Vic Firth
Vic Firth is an American musician and is the founder of Vic Firth Company , a percussion stick and mallet manufacturing company that he started in 1963. The company bills itself as the world's largest manufacturer of drum sticks and mallets...
sticks. Previously he used Premier
Premier Percussion
Premier Percussion Limited is an English manufacturer of drums and percussion instruments.The company was founded in 1922 as the Premier Drum Company by London drummer Albert Della Porta and drum builder George Smith...
drums primarily and Tama drums on some occasions.
Tour kit (2010)
Kirchhoff Schlagwerk Acrylic Drums with artic clear/snow vivid finish- 10x8' Tom
- 12x9' Tom
- 14x14' Floor Tom
- 16x16' Floor Tom
- 22x20' Bass Drum x2
- 14x6,5' Snare
- 12x5' Snare
- 10x5' Snare
Cymbals by Meinl
Meinl
Meinl may refer to:* Companies:** Julius Meinl International, a manufacturer and retailer of coffee, gourmet foods and other grocery products, and operator of supermarkets and cafés, based in Vienna; named after Julius Meinls...
- MB20-10RS-B 10" Rock Splash MB20
- MB20-12RS-B 12" Rock Splash MB20
- MB20-14HSW-B 14" Heavy Soundwave Hihat, pair MB20
- MB20-15HSW-B 15" Heavy Soundwave Hihat, pair MB20
- MB20-16MHC-B 16" Medium Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-18MHC-B 18" Medium Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-20MHC-B 20" Medium Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-16HC-B 16" Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-17HC-B 17" Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-18HC-B 18" Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-19HC-B 19" Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-20HC-B 20" Heavy Crash MB20
- MB20-18RCH-B 18" Rock China MB20
- MB20-20RCH-B 20" Rock China MB20
- MB20-20MHR-B 20" Medium Heavy Ride MB20
- MB20-20HR-B 20" Heavy Ride MB20
Sticks
- Vic FirthVic FirthVic Firth is an American musician and is the founder of Vic Firth Company , a percussion stick and mallet manufacturing company that he started in 1963. The company bills itself as the world's largest manufacturer of drum sticks and mallets...
"american classic rock Jörg Michael weight"
Drum chair by Tama