Back in the early, glorious 1980s, the world of heavy metal looked very different indeed. There was a unique spirit of creativity combined with a rebellious sense of new beginnings, and the now-classic works of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON and other icons influenced and inspired generations. Right at the heart of it all was Jürgen Breforth from Münster, who, alongside MAD MAX, founded one of the first heavy metal bands in German history, following in the footsteps of ACCEPT and the SCORPIONS. Their first EP was released in 1981, followed by their debut album „Heavy Metal“ (1982), whose title said it all.
MAD MAX are still active and will soon release their anniversary album „Stories Of Destiny“. It is closely linked to the history and experiences of Jürgen Breforth, who has kept them alive for over 45 years. Musically, however, he has primarily anchored the band in the hard rock genre, which enabled them to achieve great success worldwide in the 1980s.
At heart, however, Jürgen Breforth is a true metalhead whose riffs still possess the same edge and who has the NWoBHM in his blood. Under his aptly named own quality label, BREFORTH, the string wizard has established a second venture, through which he musically reconnects with his early days and with heavy metal itself. The debut album “Metal In My Heart” could hardly have been more aptly titled and offered flawless, traditional old-school heavy metal. In frontman Peter Lenzschau, he made the perfect choice, as his raspy voice is at times reminiscent of Udo Dirkschneider. The North German quintet is completed by Erik Blumenthal on lead guitar, Jens Lükermann on bass and Arne Fleischhut on drums. Together, BREFORTH won the ‘German Rock & Pop Award’ in 2023 with their debut album.
BREFORTH are currently working on new songs for a second studio album, due to be released in 2027 on their new label, Fireflash Records (Holy Moses, Wolf, Rock Justice, amongst others). The first new single, entitled “Colombian Hills”, is set to be released during October and is currently being given the finishing touches.
“The motto of my new label, Fireflash Records, is ‘HEAVY METAL IS THE LAW’, and that’s exactly why I founded my band Mad Max back in 1981; Breforth, too, have ‘Metal in my heart’. That’s why I’m absolutely delighted that BREFORTH have found the right partner in FIREFLASH RECORDS to tell many more exciting stories through music from my now more than 40 years in the heavy metal business,” states Jürgen Breforth.
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome another veteran of the scene, Jürgen Breforth, to Fireflash Records. I had the honour of taking a trip down memory lane with Jürgen to work on and realize the reissue of the Mad Max debut, and the chemistry was spot on right from the start. In my opinion, Breforth’s album „Metal In My Heart“ is an absolute masterpiece that far too few fans are aware of and should discover. Metalapolis Records were kind enough to pass on to us the majority of their remaining stock, which the band signed to celebrate the signing of the contract. We’d like to offer it to you at a special price via our Bandcamp shop page. Do yourselves a favour and grab this heavy metal gem on LP or CD, or stream it on repeat. You can also look forward to new material and a few surprises”, adds Fireflash owner Markus Wosgien.
“Metal In My Heart” is now available via Fireflash Records digitally, and on CD & Vinyl via Bandcamp in a signed version exclusivly.
Stream/Download the album: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/metal-in-my-heart
Get the CD & Vinyl (with signatures) on Bandcamp: https://ff-breforth.bandcamp.com/album/metal-in-my-heart
BREFORTH Live:
27.08.2026 (GER) Jheringsfehn – Sturmflut Festival
BREFORTH is:
Peter Lenzschau – Vocals
Jürgen Breforth – Guitars
Erik Blumenthal – Guitars
Jens Lükermann – Bass
Arne Fleischhut – Drums
BREFORTH online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreforthBand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breforthband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreforthBand
