German epic heavy/doom metal solo project Tales Of Mike released debut album »Human«; out now via Fetzner Death Records / Schattenpfade!

Reichshof, Germany based epic heavy/doom metal solo project Tales Of Mike presents debut album, entitled »Human«, which was just released on October 31st, 2025 via Fetzner Death Records / Schattenpfade Support Circle.

Listen to »Human« on all major streaming platforms!

Tracklist:
01. Nomen est Omen (Intro)
02. Nevermore
03. Money Tree
04. Human Masquerade
05. Ancient Mirror
06. Hourglass
07. Abandoned
08. Swan Song

Epic heavy metal from Germany!

“»Human« is an epic Heavy Metal album born out of a personal need and is necessary for me. It processes personal experiences and encounters with masquerades, superficiality, and apparent friends – and the will to not let them change me.”

Biography:
Tales Of Mike is the sound of lived grief, deep emotions, and connection. The project was founded by Michael “Mike” Hess (born 1972) and is more than just music—it is a personal journey shaped by epic heavy/doom metal.

The loss of his brother Markus inspired him to create something real. Music became a way for Mike to process his feelings and express raw emotions.

In 2022, he began to channel these emotions into songs – dark and honest, with a need to say what often remains unsaid.

Photo credits: Compdorn Studios

In Gonzalo Civita (HelėH, Tribal) and Henrik Schaller, he found companions who support him and bring his vision to life.

On August 9, 2023, they released their debut EP Landscape of Sorrow – a tribute to Markus, released on his birthday. A limited CD edition followed on January 4, 2024, exactly 14 years after Markus’ death – via Fetzner Death Records and Schattenpfade Support Circle. The music is heavy and melancholic, the lyrics personal and profound.

Tales Of Mike’s first album »Human« is released on October 31, 2025.

It is more than just a project – it is a personal necessity, born out of loss, driven by passion, and shaped by truth and depth.

Order »Human« on CD / cassette here:
talesofmike.bandcamp.com
fetznerdeathrecords.bandcamp.com
fetznerdeathrecords.de

Music written & recorded by Michael Heß.
Lyrics by Shannon Heß.
Vocals by Gonzalo Civita recorded at AV Estudio, Córdoba, Argentina.
Guitar solo by Henrik Schaller.
Mixed and mastered by Matías Takaya at AV Estudio Córdoba, Argentina.
Cover Artwork by Joss Miranda.

*(spoken words by Bernhard ”Doomchild” Tischler, from Seeds of Doom – The Misery Show)

Line-up:
Michael ”Mike” Heß – All instruments

Guest musicians:
Gonzalo Civita – Vocals
Henrik Schaller – Guitar solos

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well