Biography
Runenwacht was founded in 2011 during a night of heavy drinking by Rex and Wulfgar. The duo quickly began writing songs and completed their first EP, Schrei des Hasses, within a year. Due to unfavorable label offers, the band chose to self-release the EP in 2013.
Shortly after, Runenwacht expanded into a full live band with the addition of Sturmkaiser (drums) and Os (bass). The group began performing live shows around the Stuttgart area and started work on their debut album, Support Your Local Underground. Initially self-released in 2014, the album soon attracted the interest of Wolfmond Production, leading to the band signing with the label and reissuing the record the same year.
Following this release, Runenwacht continued to build momentum with further live performances and new material. During the recording of their next album, Des Goden Werk, internal tensions led to the departure of co-founder Wulfgar. From that point onward, Rex became the sole creative force behind the band, responsible for all music and lyrics. The album, recorded at Blasphemy Halls and released via Wolfmond Production, marked a turning point in the band's history.
In the years that followed, Runenwacht remained active despite multiple lineup changes. Releases such as Machtergreifung (2017, Northern Fog Records) and Blutrecht (2018) further established the band's identity, combining historical, mythological, and philosophical themes.
In 2019, the album Gjallar erschallt was recorded at Arnsuothal Studio, followed by the Blutpakt split release in 2020 with Schattenfang and BlutEck. Despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic, Runenwacht continued to produce new material.
The band's 2021 release, Krieg ernŠhrt Krieg, explored themes of European history, warfare, and mythology. The same year also saw the release of Ten Years of German Black Metal, celebrating a decade of the band's existence with re-recorded classics and new material.
Further expanding their discography, Runenwacht released Derer von WŸrttemberg in 2023, an album deeply rooted in regional identity and historical themes connected to the band's origins in Southern Germany. With a strong narrative focus, the record highlights the band's dedication to cultural heritage and storytelling.
This was followed by Das letzte Geleit, released in 2025. The album presents a darker, more introspective atmosphere, combining traditional Runenwacht elements with a more somber and mature tone, reflecting the band's continuous evolution under Rex's sole creative direction.
Despite numerous challenges and lineup changes over the years, Runenwacht has remained true to its core vision. As described by Rex, the band stands for "pagan, blood-smeared Black Metal" Ñ a relentless force from Southern Germany that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its origins.