Vollbard: The German Hard Rock Powerhouse

Vollbard is a German hard rock band known for its driving riffs and anthemic choruses that have fueled a dedicated European fanbase. The group achieved notable commercial success with their third studio album, which charted in several European territories and solidified their reputation as a formidable live act.

Early career

Vollbard formed in the industrial city of Essen in 2005, founded by vocalist/guitarist Lars Heiden and bassist Klaus Vogel. The band honed its sound through relentless touring on the German club circuit, self-releasing their raw debut EP, "Iron Foundations," in 2007.

This early work caught the attention of the independent label Rock Solid Records, which signed the band and released their first full-length album, "Forged in Steel," in 2010. The album established their blueprint of classic hard rock infused with a modern, metallic edge.

Breakthrough

Vollbard's breakthrough arrived in 2014 with their third album, "Heart of the Machine," released via the larger imprint Metalworks GmbH. The album's lead single received heavy rotation on rock radio stations across Germany and Austria, propelling the album to number 32 on the German album charts.

"Heart of the Machine" demonstrated a significant leap in songwriting and production, eventually earning a gold certification in Germany for over 100,000 units sold. This success opened slots at major European festivals like Wacken Open Air and Rock am Ring.

Key tracks

Heart of the Machine — The title track from their breakthrough album became a signature anthem and a permanent fixture in their live set.

Steelcrusher — This heavy, riff-driven single was a mainstay on rock radio and showcased the band's powerful rhythm section.

Fires Burn — A slower, more melodic track that highlighted the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant hard rock ballads.

Razor's Edge — Featured on their 2018 album "Unbroken," this song marked a collaboration with guitarist Olly Hahn from the band Sturmreiter.

Ghost in the Gear — A more recent single demonstrating the band's evolution into incorporating subtle industrial elements into their hard rock foundation.

Following their breakthrough, Vollbard maintained a consistent output, releasing "Unbroken" in 2018 and "Voltage" in 2022. Their later work saw collaborations with producers like Sylvia Massy and touring partnerships with acts like Jorn and U.D.O., further cementing their status within the European hard rock and heavy metal scene.

Fans of Vollbard's brand of potent, guitar-centric hard rock should also explore similar German acts. U.D.O. shares a similar commitment to traditional, powerful heavy metal. Sturmreiter operates in the same high-energy, melodic hard rock space. Jorn offers a comparable blend of soaring vocals and monumental riffs. Brainstorm delivers a similarly anthemic and precise approach to modern heavy metal.

Vollbard's music remains a staple on rock radio stations featured on this website, from classic rock FM stations to dedicated online metal streams. Their powerful anthems are regularly featured in rotations that celebrate both classic and contemporary hard rock sounds.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Vollbard by tuning into the hard rock and heavy metal radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music is featured alongside other giants of the genre.