Only Heavy Metal

ALMANAC - the new band of Victor Smolski (ex-RAGE) - stands for a new dimension of symphonic power metal, featuring three singers Jeannette Marchewka (LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA), Andy B. Franck (BRAINSTORM) and David Readman (PINK CREAM 69).

In March 2016, ALMANAC unleashed their highly acclaimed debut album »Tsar«, which entered the official charts in both, Germany (#74) and Switzerland (#87), followed by a European tour along with ORDEN OGAN, as well as their own headliner tour in spring 2017.

Within the past few weeks, ALMANAC has completed the recordings of their second longplayer entitled »Kingslayer«, recorded at HeyDay Studios in Wuppertal, Germany. "Our second strike is done," reveals guitar player Victor Smolski and explains, that "»Kingslayer« is the logical follow-up to »Tsar«, just more compact, heavier and faster. Our previous live experiences could be perfectly permitted during the recordings. The band got closer and well attuned, you can feel this unified energy within the new tracks. We took a lot of time and gave our very best. »Kingslayer« is a crafted metal album with a lively power sound!".

»Kingslayer« will be released on November 3rd via Nuclear Blast. The cover artwork was once again created by Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (ACCEPT, DESTRUCTION a.o.).
ALMANAC recently played at the 'Masters of Rock' festival, where they presented the first two new tracks live, 'Losing My Mind' and 'Children Of The Sacred Path'. The concert will be part of the bonus live DVD, which will come along the limited first edition of »Kingslayer«.

2017-09-06 - ALMANAC - the new band of Victor Smolski (ex-RAGE) - recently announced the release date of their sophomore record titled »Kingslayer«. Today the group must inform their fans that the release date has been pushed back to November 24th, 2017. To bridge this long gap, ALMANAC have launched the very first album trailer over on YouTube, which gives the viewer some insight into the recording process of »Kingslayer«.

In addition, ALMANAC have unveiled the track listing of their upcoming album, which can be seen below. More info on formats and pre-order details will follow shortly!»Kingslayer« was recorded with producer Andreas Herr at HeyDay Studios in Wuppertal, Germany. The cover artwork was once again created by Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (ACCEPT, DESTRUCTION a.o.).

Andy B. Franck is leaving Almanac!

After nothing less than three exciting and very interesting years in Almanac, playing several tours and festivals in Europe, I decided to leave Almanac. The project started with much promise and pleasure, but due to remaining private time-schedule problems I think it’s time for me to move on, not to stand in their way. So I’d like to thank all the bandmates very much for a great time and wish’em nothing but joy, health and success for all their upcoming plans in the future!

To those who became friends of mine and supported me over the years and to all metalheads around the planet, THANK YOU so much: you’re amazing… YOU ARE THE BEST! See you soon, stay wild and metal up your ass!

Cheers

Andy B. Franck

2018-07-25 - ALMANAC are pleased to officially introduce new singer Patrick Sühl to the band. They also welcome Marc Dzierzon as the drummer.
Before becoming ALMANAC's new singer, Patrick Sühl performed in the band GUN BARREL and several cover bands playing the music of bands like JUDAS PRIEST, WHITESNAKE and DEEP PURPLE. According to Victor Smolski, Patrick's remarkable vocal range makes a second male singer superfluous from now on.


Victor says: “I´m happy to introduce Patrick Sühl to you as our new band member! Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts David is not able to join us on our upcoming Tour dates. As an ALMANAC fan right from the beginning Patrick now takes over all male voices with his metal-power. Also on our last European Tour I invited Marc Dzierzon on drums. His modern metal style of playing drums kicks ass! I´m looking forward to our Festival Tour in August/September!”

New singer Patrick adds: „When Victor called me I didn’t have to think for one minute. Do I want to sing in a band with such incredible compositions and musicianship?! Well, of course! Tsar and Kingslayer had their fair amount of airtime in my car‘s stereo and I’m very much looking forward to touring and creating more extraordinary music with this band. See you guys on the road!“

Marc Dzierzon is the former drummer of the technical death metal band CENTAURUS A and focused his drumming on technical and progressive metal music including the challenge of powerful and aggressive blast beats. Exactly what ALMANAC need.

Marc comments: "I'm honored being part of ALMANAC as it's battery. Being a full member of such a high-level band with it's instrumentalists and singers let me reach the next level in my young career and from the very beginning I feel home behind the kit. I'm looking forward to all what future will bring and hope to order a lot of experiences with ALMANAC".

This new ALMANAC line-up will play three shows in August, including a festival co-headliner show in Korea, as well as a headliner gig in Portugal.