Frei.Wild

Formed in 2001 in Brixen, South Tyrol (Italy), the German-language rock band Frei.Wild is part of the Deutschrock movement, combining melodic hard rock with punk influences and sing-along choruses. The lineup—Philipp Burger (vocals, guitar), Jonas Notdurfter (guitar), Jochen Gargitter (bass) and Christian Fohrer (drums)—writes German-language lyrics often centered on attachment to their home region, everyday life, friendship and occasionally polarizing social themes. During the 2000s the band established itself on stages in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, particularly at festivals dedicated to German-language rock and on regular tours. Albums such as Feinde deiner Feinde (2012), the acoustic Still (2013), Opposition (2015), Rivalen und Rebellen (2018), Still II (2019) and Wirklichkeitsverlust (2021) mark key steps in Frei.Wild’s development, ranging from more direct sounds to intimate formats. Performing both electrically and acoustically, Frei.Wild has repeatedly been at the center of debates over its positions on identity and patriotism; the band regularly communicates to distance itself from extremist milieus while maintaining its roots in the German-language rock scene.