Hansi Kürsch

Hansi Kürsch
Hansi Kursch at Christmas Bash 2016
Background information
Birth name Hans Jürgen Kürsch
Born (1966-08-10) 10 August 1966
Lank-Latum, Germany
Genres Heavy metal, power metal, speed metal, progressive metal
Instruments Vocals, bass
Years active 1984–present
Labels No Remorse, Virgin, Century Media, Nuclear Blast, SPV GmbH
Associated acts Blind Guardian, Demons and Wizards, Ayreon

Hans Jürgen Kürsch (born August 10, 1966), better known as Hansi Kürsch, is a German singer, songwriter, record producer and former bass guitarist, best known as a member of the power metal band Blind Guardian. One of the founders of the band, he has been its lead vocalist since its creation in 1984, and also acted as the band's bass guitarist until 1996.

He is also the lead vocalist of Demons and Wizards, a side-project with Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer. Additionally, he worked prominently as a guest with other artists, including Angra, Edguy, Iced Earth, and Therion; he notably played characters in the Ayreon albums 01011001 and The Source

History

A signature of Kürsch's songwriting is his practice of overdubbing his own voice multiple times in complex, overlapping harmonies on his recordings, creating the atmosphere of a huge choir. The track "Chant" on the first Demons and Wizards album is vocal only, in the style of a traditional Gregorian Chant; Kürsch's is the only voice on the song.

Kürsch's lyrics revolve around various themes prevalent in the power metal genre, including medieval fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, religious/mythological tales, and legends/stories, both his own and from the literary world. His lyrics in the first Demons and Wizards album tackle even various themes, whereas "Touched by the Crimson King" was based primarily off different fantasy novels.[1]

Kürsch has also recorded two albums for his side project with Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth, Demons and Wizards.

Although mostly known for being a clean singer nowadays, his early technique made use of a harsher, "screaming" technique. Kürsch can be heard using similar, more aggressive, technique while singing guest vocals for Heaven Shall Burn's cover of "Valhalla."

Guest appearances

Provided lead vocals, unless stated otherwise.

References

  1. "Interview Blind Guardian3". Metalcovenant.com. Retrieved 2011-07-15.
  2. "Guest Musicians". New Ayreon Album. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
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