Doomed Confessionary: Michael Heß (Tales of Mike)
Photo credits: Compdorn Studios
Tales of Mike is the sound of lived grief, deep emotion, and connection. Founded by Michael “Mike” Heß, this project is more than just music – it’s a personal journey shaped by epic heavy/doom metal. The loss of his brother Markus inspired something real. Music became a way for Mike to process his feelings and express raw emotion.
In 2022, he began putting those emotions into songs – dark and honest, with a need to speak what often stays silent. With Gonzalo Civita (HelėH, Tribal) and Henrik Schaller (Torrential Rain), he found companions who support and bring his vision to life.
Following their debut EP »Landscape Of Sorrow« (Fetzner Death Records / Schattenpfade, 2023), Tales of Mike are about to release their first full-length album »Human« on October 31st, 2025 via Fetzner Death Records / Schattenpfade.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
So, Tales of Mike is basically a one-man project I started in 2022. I want make a musical tribute to my late brother Markus. Our »Landscape Of Sorrow« EP came out on his birthday in August 2023. What’s special for me is that my daughter Shannon writes all the lyrics.
I’m lucky to have two amazing musicians with me: Gonzalo Civita (Tribal, HeléH) from Argentina on vocals and Henrik Schaller (Torrential Rain) from Germany on guitar solos. Henrik was already part of the first demos, we’ve known each other for a long time. Everything just fits from the start. And now our first full album, »Human«, is ready to go – it drops on October 31st, 2025. I’m really excited.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was just sticking with it for such a long time. I’ve been writing songs since 2022, and on top of that I had to take care of most of the promo stuff myself. It’s been a long road, but a really exciting one, and I actually enjoyed the ride. I’ve never been in a other band with a proper rehearsal room, but somehow, even with all the distance between us, it felt like a real band. Everyone wants the best for Tales of Mike, and I’m really grateful for that.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m most proud that we’re releasing a full album after the EP. People asking me for one, and now it’s happening. At first, I only just wanted to write one song for my brother. That became the tribute EP, and now a full album is ready. That’s really enough pride for me.
What was your biggest regret?
Last year I had complicated shoulder surgery, and at times I really thought it would never get better. I couldn’t play guitar for nine months – that was almost unbearable. Luckily, it’s getting better slowly. It’s not perfect yet, but I can play again and work – and that makes me really happy and grateful.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Since Gonzalo and Henrik are busy with their own bands and we live far apart, Tales of Mike is just a studio project for now. Some people have said our music really belongs on stage, which is a huge compliment. Let’s see what happens in the future.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
When I started reaching out to reviewers and magazines about the tribute song and then the EP, I was totally blown away by the support. I thought the underground holds together, sure, but what happened really went beyond my expectations. I’m still very grateful for that.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve been listening a lot to Tales of Mike demos that I’ve already prepared for a possible next album. Besides that, I’ve been listening mainly to the new albums by Paradise Lost, Coroner and Mob Rules, and really enjoying them.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
A musician friend from Denmark once told me after the EP that I should take care of myself – especially when I mentioned that we were going to make another album. The music world can be intense and demanding at times, but also very rewarding, and his words have stayed with me.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I nowadays often catch myself singing along to pop songs – I did the same back in the ’80s, but never admitted it, otherwise my buddies would have called me a poser, haha!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in North Rhine-Westphalia?
Where I live, there’s basically no real metal scene. There’s a very good cover band in the village, but real metal concerts are only in the next bigger towns. If you love metal here, you have to drive a bit to see it live.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Right now, we’re just excited about the album release. After that, we want to keep things going, there are already more ideas, and I’m confident we’ll continue with this lineup. I’m sure there’s more to come from Tales of Mike.
How can people best support your band?
If you like our music, you can buy CDs or cassettes via the Tales of Mike Bandcamp page, or through our label on Fetzner Death Records. Of course, you can stream our music on Spotify, Deezer, or other usual platforms.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
First of all, a big thank you to everyone taking the time to read this interview and support our music.
A special thanks to you, Bojan, because you’ve supported us since the first single in 2023 – we’re really grateful.
Get ready, it’s gonna be epic!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well