Release Date May 25th, 2026
Format LP
Genre Epic Heavy/Doom Metal
Origin Germany
Tales Of Mike is a German epic heavy/doom metal band led by Michael “Mike” Heß, who handles every instrument and the recording. Its character begins with one composer, then expands through a compact circle of contributors. Gonzalo Civita record the vocals at Av Estudio in Córdoba, Argentina, bringing a weathered, resonant voice to Heß’s measured guitar structures. Henrik Schaller handles the guitar solos, adding melodic motion above the broad chord progressions. Shannon Heß writes the lyrics, placing grief, disappointment, broken trust, and personal endurance at the heart of the music.
Tales Of Mike remains rooted in traditional epic doom, with heavy metal melody placed beside darker tempos and solemn atmosphere. Emotion is treated plainly, with little detachment or irony hiding the personal source. The collaboration between musicians in Germany and Argentina shapes Tales Of Mike into more than a solitary studio name, preserving the intimacy of Heß’s writing across a full band arrangement.
“Human” first appeared on October 31st, 2025 and returns through Fetzner Death Records and Schattenpfade Support Circle as a smoke coloured vinyl pressing limited to 130 copies. The physical edition includes a 3.5 mm spine, glossy outer sleeve, black inner sleeve, and a four colour 300 g insert, making this a carefully assembled underground release rather than a basic repress. Matías Takaya’s mix and master place Civita prominently above broad rhythm guitars, restrained low frequencies, and melodic leads that remain distinct during the slower sections.
The production has depth and separation, though the drums occasionally lack the physical impact needed beneath the grander guitar arrangements. Shannon Heß’s lyrics examine social masks, superficial relationships, betrayal, isolation, and the decision to preserve one’s character after disappointment; the language remains personal and accessible, steering away from abstract symbolism.
Musically, “Human” joins measured doom tempos with elevated chorus melodies, extended chord development, and traditional heavy metal guitar lines, creating an appropriately sombre scale. Several choruses follow closely related melodic shapes, and the central sequence can lose definition as the pacing settles into the same emotional register, though Schaller’s solos introduce useful contrast. “Human” is a very good epic-doom album with sincere writing, capable vocals, and carefully arranged guitars. Its limited rhythmic variation prevents masterpiece status, though its emotional core and disciplined construction remain difficult to dismiss.
|7.8
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