Dreadful Shadows
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Berlin, Germany |
| Founder | Sven Friedrich, Reiko Jeschke, Franc Hofer, Jens Riediger, Ron Thiele |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Berlin , Germany |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Dreadful Shadows is a rock group originating from Germany, established in 1993 in Berlin. Initially aligned with the gothic rock and dark wave scenes, they incorporated metal influences and contemporary electronic sounds by their first album, which positioned them within the gothic metal category. The band dissolved in 2000 to explore individual musical ventures.
Formation
Dreadful Shadows was created in 1993 by Sven Friedrich, Reiko Jeschke, Franc Hofer, Jens Riediger, and Ron Thiele in Berlin, where they also produced their initial demo. Later that same year, Stefan Neubauer replaced guitarist Reiko. The band toured extensively across Germany, England, and Denmark. Their second demo caught the attention of the label Sounds of Delight, resulting in the release of their debut album Estrangement in April 1994. Following this, they embarked on a European tour supporting bands such as Love Like Blood, Nosferatu, and The Eternal Afflict, which helped them gain recognition in countries including the Netherlands, England, and Denmark.
From 1994 to 1995, their involvement in sampler projects, live performances, and an appearance at the Zillo festival alongside groups like Christian Death significantly enhanced their profile within Germany. In February 1995, they recorded the Homeless EP, released in June and featuring a rendition of New Order's True Faith, which found success in club circuits. Additionally, they performed at Madrid's Mise Noire festival alongside bands such as Mephisto Walz.
1995–2000
After parting ways with Sounds of Delight in December 1995, Dreadful Shadows signed with Deathwish Office, a label owned by members of Love Like Blood. Work on their second album Buried Again commenced in March 1996. During these sessions, guitarists Stefan Neubauer and Franc Hofer left due to internal disagreements; guitar responsibilities were then handled by Sven Friedrich and Tom Tony. In July 1996, André Feller departed; Sebastian Oliver Lange (In Extremo) temporarily filled the role before Norman Selbig became the permanent guitarist. This lineup performed at Wave-Gotik-Treffen, released Buried Again, and toured throughout Germany and Europe, including an appearance at London's Sacrosanct festival with Rosetta Stone.
In 1997, the band inked a deal with Oblivion and released the single Burning the Shrouds. After supporting gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost, their third album Beyond The Maze was launched in February 1998. A promotional tour included a notable stop in Beirut, Lebanon. Their cover version of Tanita Tikaram's Twist in My Sobriety marked a highlight of that year. A rigorous European touring schedule throughout 1999 solidified their reputation as a compelling live act.
July 1999 saw them recording material for Gitane Demone's Stars of Trash album in Berlin. Their final studio effort, The Cycle, was released in September 1999. The band wrapped up with a concluding tour across Germany in 2000 before disbanding. Following the split, Sven Friedrich and Norman Selbig founded Zeraphine, André Feller teamed up with Ron Thiele to create 'Coma 51', while Jens Riediger established Andromeda Records alongside forming the band 'Thanateros'.
2000–2007: Post-breakup
After the band's dissolution, multiple albums by Dreadful Shadows underwent remastering and were reissued. In 2000, the double album Estrangement + Homeless was launched, featuring refreshed cover art and enhanced audio mixes. Three years later, in 2003, Buried Again was reissued with additional tracks, which included covers of songs by David Bowie and Marilyn Manson, as well as remixed versions of "Dusk" and "Paradize."
In 2001, Oblivion combined Beyond the Maze and The Cycle into a double CD package; however, these editions did not receive remastering treatment.
2007: Concerts and Individual Ventures
During 2007, Dreadful Shadows held several live performances, clarifying that these events did not constitute a reunion since no fresh compositions were introduced. The band allowed fans to determine the concert setlist through an online voting process.
Sven Friedrich, the lead vocalist, initiated his solo electronic music endeavor named Solar Fake. This project is distinguished by its "throbbing sequencers, energetic rhythms, and intense vocals paired with somber melodies." The first album was slated for release in February 2008 under Synthetic Symphony/SPV.
Studio Albums
- Estrangement (1994)
- Buried Again (1997; reissued in 2003 with extra tracks)
- Beyond the Maze (1998; limited edition included a bonus live CD)
- The Cycle (1999)
Singles and Extended Plays
- "Homeless EP" (1994)
- "Burning the Shrouds" (1998)
- "Twist in My Sobriety" (1999)
- "Futility" (1999)
- Apology EP (2000; available exclusively at concerts)