In a musical landscape increasingly shaped by digital shortcuts, algorithmic expectations and the relentless pressure to keep up with changing trends, the German Melodic Metal project has chosen a different path: make music because you love it, make it with conviction, and never compromise the reason you started making it in the first place.
Founded by multi-instrumentalist Thomas, Savagegroup draws heavily from the classic Melodic Metal sound of the 1980s and 1990s, combining powerful guitar work, expressive vocals, keyboards and real orchestral arrangements to create music that feels both nostalgic and remarkably personal. Their latest single, “Paradise Lost,” is a particularly revealing example of that philosophy. Beneath its grand instrumentation and cinematic scale lies something far more intimate: an inner battle, a search for peace, and the universal feeling of desperately wanting to find somewhere beyond the chaos inside your own mind.
For Thomas, that emotional honesty has become increasingly important throughout Savagegroup’s evolution. Having started playing drums at just three years old, he later taught himself guitar, bass and keyboards simply because the ideas in his head demanded to be expressed. Eventually, at the age of 48, he even stepped behind the microphone. He may jokingly describe himself as an “Animal-style drummer” rather than a conventional singer, but that willingness to step outside his comfort zone says much about the band’s creative philosophy: perfection is less important than authenticity, expression and the freedom to follow an idea wherever it leads.
That philosophy extends into the recording process. “Paradise Lost” embraces the physicality of traditional instrumentation while incorporating modern studio tools where they serve the music. The vocals were recorded without Auto-Tune or artificial pitch correction, while orchestral and keyboard elements are used not simply for spectacle, but to intensify the emotional message of the songs. The result is metal that feels deliberately human, imperfect in the best possible sense, and rooted in lived experience.
There is also an unmistakable sense of humor behind the heaviness. Savagegroup’s members may be approaching what Thomas jokingly calls “grandpa age,” but the band’s name represents their determination to preserve the wild, chaotic and playful spirit that has always driven them. Their decision to remain a studio project rather than pursue touring is equally personal, shaped by changing circumstances and the physical demands of decades spent making music, but it has also given them something increasingly rare: complete creative freedom without the pressure to satisfy a label, chase trends or manufacture music for commercial expectations.
As Savagegroup prepares for Fallen Angel, their forthcoming 2027 album, the project’s evolution is becoming increasingly personal. The lyrics are more honest, the emotions more exposed, and the music is being shaped around experiences that Thomas has lived rather than emotions he merely imagines.
Ultimately, Savagegroup’s story is not simply about keeping a particular era of metal alive. It is about remaining curious, continuing to learn, refusing to compromise artistic identity, and finding joy in the process. From a three-year-old drummer discovering music to a seasoned musician still building songs piece by piece in his studio, Thomas and Savagegroup demonstrate that creativity does not have an expiration date.
In this conversation, Savagegroup takes us behind “Paradise Lost,” discussing inner struggles, traditional musicianship, orchestral production, the freedom of independence, the realities of growing older as a musician, the evolution of Fallen Angel, and the lessons that have shaped a musical journey spanning decades.
Paradise Lost“ combines classic Melodic Metal with a powerful orchestral background, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. What story or emotions do you want listeners to experience as they embark on the journey through this song?
We would say it is an inner struggle that plays out in your head and drives you crazy. A search for inner peace, or simply for a sweet paradise.
The track deliberately relies on handmade music, emphasizing real instrumentation and orchestral arrangements instead of modern shortcuts. Why was it so important for Savagegroup to preserve this traditional approach to music production?
We grew up in the mid-80s and 90s, and the metal music of that era lived purely through traditional instruments – that really shaped us. Of course, we also use plugins for certain keyboard sounds. The vocals were also 100% recorded live without any artificial pitch-correction, so no Autotune at all.
Your music is strongly influenced by Melodic Metal of the 1980s and 1990s, yet it still sounds contemporary. Which artists or albums had the greatest impact on „Paradise Lost“, and how do you ensure these inspirations become part of your own identity rather than remaining mere homages?
As mentioned above, that was just our youth back then, which explains the style. There are many influences, but Devin Townsend inspired me the most, and partly Soilwork, Helloween, etc. as well. But let’s be honest: I think everyone has experienced their own inner struggle in life and secretly cried out for help (like the lyrics in Paradise Lost: “Where is my God?”).
Thomas, you originally started as a drummer, then taught yourself guitar, bass, and keyboards, and eventually took over the microphone as well. How has your versatility as a multi-instrumentalist affected the way you write, arrange, and produce music for Savagegroup?
Yeah, I started drumming when I was just 3 years old. Around the age of 20, I taught myself electric guitar, bass, and a bit of keyboard. Why? At 20, I had so many ideas in my head but I simply couldn’t show my guitar player at the time what I wanted. It annoyed me so much that I just started learning the instruments myself.
As for my vocals (laughs): Personally, I don’t see myself as a singer.
I will always remain the Animal-style drummer (from the Muppet Show). I only started singing in 2018, when I was 48. The beauty of it is – even though I’m not perfect – I have the advantage of being able to track a lot of things myself in the studio. Most ideas come spontaneously, and yes, they are usually about experiences that accompany me through life.
The orchestral arrangements give „Paradise Lost“ a grand, cinematic dimension. At what stage of the songwriting process did these elements emerge, and how did you balance them with the heavier, guitar-driven foundation?
First of all, thank you for the compliment! (bows) Um, I am a very emotional person – otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to compose music (laughs). I feel that adding an orchestral part or a keyboard pad sound to the electric guitars makes the feeling you want to express come across even stronger.
Savagegroup has decided to focus entirely on working as a studio project rather than touring or playing live shows. What led to this decision, and what greater creative freedom has it allowed you in shaping your music?
Well, we aren’t the youngest anymore, and we are moving with big steps toward the “grandpa age” of 60 (laughs). And because I played loud drums for decades – I was a heavy hitter, not a gentle paddler (laughs) – I developed real issues in my left ear over time. Just hitting a cymbal on my own really hurts now; it causes this terrible cracking sound in my ear. Playing drums isn’t really fun that way anymore, especially when thinking about a tour where you have shows almost every single night. In my music studio, I record everything with an electronic drum kit instead.
The band name reflects the idea of maintaining a wild, energetic spirit regardless of age. How has this mindset helped keep your creativity alive over the years, and what role does the fun factor still play in your songwriting process?
First and foremost: Absolutely no stress! (laughs) Well, most musicians have a different outlook on life than the general crowd. What I mean is, fun comes first for us. Since we don’t have a label and don’t want one either – which just means stress due to the pressure of producing the next record (and pressure doesn’t exactly make an album better, it’s more like…) – no, it’s fine just the way it is. Sure, who wouldn’t want to make money with their own music? But my mindset is more like: I make music because it is my life, I don’t chase the mainstream just to rake in cash. I already love it when people enjoy our music and respect us as musicians. If you can make money with it after all, why not? But money is not our driving force.
Your upcoming album Fallen Angel will be released in 2027 after years of meticulous development; how has your philosophy regarding songwriting and production evolved since your debut album Wall of Fear?
Being more honest with the lyrics. Since I’ve experienced a lot of these things firsthand, it was always an uncomfortable feeling for me to write lyrics about my emotions – maybe out of shame? The more honest the lyrics become, the more intensely I compose the music to reinforce the exact feeling the song is supposed to convey.
Melodic Metal is constantly evolving through new production techniques and a shifting audience. How do you stay true to the roots of the genre while ensuring that Savagegroup’s music remains relevant to both long-time metal fans and new listeners?
Um, honestly, I don’t really think about that. My music comes more from a “gut feeling.” I get an idea (a guitar riff) and piece the song together like a puzzle. Most of the time, I have no clue what the song will sound like in the end (laughs). I just work my way forward and see how the song develops and where it goes (laughs). And I don’t put pressure on myself that our music absolutely has to please everyone. First and foremost, the song needs to please me personally and the guys. If other people end up liking it too, that’s cool with us. There will always be critics, but honestly, I couldn’t care less. We stand by our music. Me and my guys have to love it.
Looking back at your musical journey so far: What was the most valuable lesson you learned as an artist, and what advice would you give to musicians who want to build a lasting career while staying true to their own creative vision?
There isn’t a single “this is the only advice that counts” for me. When I was in a professional music studio for the very first time at 20 years old, I learned a lesson: Because many people had praised me for my skills on the drums back then, I thought I was an amazing drummer. But in the studio, I realized that I wasn’t actually a very good drummer when it came to timing (laughs). That was a lesson for life! After that, I practiced drums for 4 to 6 hours every single day for two years. Later on, they gave me the nickname “The Atomic Clock” (laughs).
As the saying goes: Stay true to yourself. Don’t compromise yourself for money. Make music that you like, and don’t chase the mainstream. Be extremely careful when it comes to contracts. Those would be my pieces of advice.
