ColdForged is a fierce metal band that emerged from the chaos of the global pandemic in 2020—a time when physical contact was impossible and isolation prevailed. Despite these challenges, the four-member German ensemble drew on decades of experience to amplify their passion and creativity through virtual collaboration. By exchanging files and ideas digitally, they laid the foundation for their debut album, Blood of My Blood.

The band is a tight-knit collective of seasoned musicians united by a shared dedication to metal. Steffen “Holze” Holzinger (second from the left) delivers vocals with an intensity sharpened by countless live performances, while Stephan “Steppo” Gramespacher (second from the right) drives the drums with relentless energy. Steffen “Steve” Bauer (far right) anchors the bass, and Sven “Mittel” Mittelstädt (far left) contributes a spectrum of guitar textures.

Various members have played with bands such as Bonfire, Majesty, Depressive Age, Powerwolf, Brainstorm, Sinner, Tankard, Angeldust, Silentforce, Airbourne, Aragon, Licentious, Valorreign, Out of Order and Craaft. Over four years, they combined their skills to craft enough material for a compelling debut album.

Blood of My Blood is a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit of ColdForged. Each song was written and recorded remotely, with the band meticulously assembling every piece. Once the pandemic subsided, they gathered in a rehearsal space to refine and perform their music together. This fusion of remote creativity and live collaboration gave the album its authenticity and cohesion.

While every member contributed to the songwriting, the lyrics and vocal melodies were primarily written by Steve and Holze, resulting in a personal narrative that deepens the musical fabric.

ColdForged's distinctive sound is the product of diverse influences. Each member draws from different musical backgrounds, making it impossible to confine the band to a single genre. Their inspirations range from the raw energy of Motörhead and Girlschool to the experimental sounds of modular techno and 80s synth bands, as well as the heavy legacies of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple—with a hint of Exodus and Dream Theater. This eclectic blend ensures that every song is approached individually while maintaining a consistent thread of metallic chaos that creates a powerful listening experience.

A defining feature of ColdForged is their collective ethos. Free from egotistical ambitions, they operate like a tightly bonded phalanx of devoted metalheads, valuing every creative contribution. Their financial and artistic independence is reflected in every aspect of Blood of My Blood—a fully self-funded project, from songwriting and recording to cover design. The album is raw, unfiltered, and a striking testament to what can be achieved when music serves as a unifying force rather than a pursuit of fame.