The legacy of IRON ANGEL
In this year, the German Speed Metal legends Iron Angel made headlines for a sad reason – the sudden passing of founding member and vocalist Dirk Schröder in March 2025. The end of this band, or a new future in 2026? Mitsch Meyer, guitarist and songwriter during the band’s reunion era 2014–2019, tells us more about it.
What was the first band that you were in, Mitsch? When did you begin playing music?
I started playing in bands at around twelve years old, but my first real band was WOLFGARD (2004–2012). I wrote the music first and then found the right musicians around it. A fun fact: our logo was created by Sven Strüven of IRON ANGEL, even though I never had the chance to meet him personally.
We had a track on a U.S. sampler in 2006, released our album “Nordic Force” in 2009, and our final 4-track EP “540 Gates” came out shortly before we split in 2012.
Any favorite metal bands?
KISS has always been my number one. After that, I’m deeply into the Bay Area Thrash movement and the classic German Thrash scene of the ’80s. Bands like Slayer, At The Gates, Sentenced — and the list could go on forever.
Could you tell us what it was like to play on the IRON ANGEL comeback album in 2018?
Preparing for the IRON ANGEL comeback was intense. I played those songs hundreds of times, and during that period I barely listened to any other bands. New ideas just came naturally.
Dirk, Didy and I met in our little “studio,” which at that time was basically my caravan, and we kept shaping the songs together. We all felt the potential — especially with Dirk’s unmistakable voice — so we decided to release a true third IRON ANGEL album: “Hellbound.”
We teamed up with Mighty Music for a two-album deal.
In August 2019, I parted ways with IRON ANGEL.
What is the German metal scene like currently?
German metal is definitely experiencing a comeback. There are many great young bands on the rise and a lot of new, high-quality festivals popping up all over the country. The scene feels alive again — hungry and powerful.
What’s going on with IRON ANGEL currently?
That’s a bit of a longer story. Even after I left IRON ANGEL in 2019, my friendship with Dirk Schröder remained strong. We stayed in touch regularly. In 2020, he sent me two tracks he recorded for Generation Steel, and I jokingly told him: “Everything you sing will always sound like IRON ANGEL to me.”
While Dirk continued with IRON ANGEL, I focused on new projects like Thunder-Machine. The years after 2020 were tough for everyone, and building a new band wasn’t easy. For a short time, I joined a local Hamburg metal band.
The last time I talked to Schrödy was on his birthday in January. We casually spoke about a possible reunion and even a third South American tour. At that time, I had no idea how serious his health situation already was.
In February 2025, I heard that Generation Steel was looking for a lead guitarist, so I reached out. Although it didn’t work out due to the distance, it led me to meet our current vocalist Dirk Meyer.
I was already impressed by his vocals on IVORY TOWER’s “Stronger,” and we quickly realized that we wanted to create something together — we just didn’t know what yet.
Then came the news of Dirk Schröder’s passing. That changed everything. Dirk Meyer and I agreed that IRON ANGEL should live on in honor of Dirk Schröder.
That’s why the band continues under the name IRON ANGEL LEGACY — keeping his spirit alive.
Our next mission was to find the right musicians. Together we held auditions and finally recruited an outstanding lineup:
Dirk Meyer – vocals
Nik Rathert – bass
Robin Gattnar – guitars
Leo Harling – drums
Mitsch Meyer – guitars
So yes — IRON ANGEL continues.
But now as IRON ANGEL LEGACY — loyal to the roots and dedicated to the legacy of Dirk Schröder.
Any stories about being in this band?
WOLFGARD was a key step for me — it paved the way to becoming part of IRON ANGEL.
During that time, I met Didy Mackel, and through jams and shared connections, the link was already there. When Didy and Dirk Schröder decided to reform IRON ANGEL, Didy called me and asked if I wanted to join the reunion.
We met to plan the comeback, back then still with Mike Matthes, who handled promotion, media and bookings after the reunion was announced. The lineup included Jojo Folter, Didy Mackel, Dirk Schröder, Mike Matthes, and myself.
As the demand for IRON ANGEL quickly exploded, Mike eventually stepped away for professional reasons and handed the band’s responsibilities over to me. With strong support from Guido Schröder, we pushed the reunion forward and soon received worldwide tour requests.
While some members focused mainly on the classic material, I had already started writing new songs in the background — ideas that would later shape “Hellbound” and ultimately lead to IRON ANGEL LEGACY.
You are a music producer as well as a guitarist. Could you tell us who you have worked with as a producer?
Yes, I’ve also worked as a producer. I was part of the production team for IRON ANGEL’s “Hellbound,” later for Thunder-Machine, and a few smaller independent projects.
That said, my main focus has always been songwriting and guitar — that’s where I feel most at home creatively.
Had you been a fan of the early IRON ANGEL records?
Absolutely. Back in 1986, IRON ANGEL’s “Winds of War” was actually one of my favorite albums — even before “Hellish Crossfire.” I was instantly hooked and fired up by that record.
Future plans and projects, perhaps any tours?
We’re ready to take IRON ANGEL LEGACY into a new era and raise the band to the next level.
It was a great honor for me to play alongside Dirk Schröder, and I see it as my responsibility to make sure that IRON ANGEL and my friend Dirk will never be forgotten.
From April 2026 onward, IRON ANGEL LEGACY is open for bookings. We’re looking forward to celebrating the legendary songs from “Hellish Crossfire,” “Winds of War,” and “Hellbound” together with our brothers and sisters of Heavy Metal on international stages — in memory of Dirk Schröder, R.I.P.
The first headline shows are already booked and will be announced very soon.
Text: John Wisniewki
