WARLOCK ( Heayy Metal , Germany ) Collector's Album Cover Gallery & Information

WARLOCK was formed in Dusseldorf around 1982 with members of the underground bands Snakebite and Beast. Lead Vocalist was DORO Peitsch the German Queen of Heavy Metal.

WARLOCK ( Heayy Metal , Germany ) Banner photo

On the discography listing below you will find WARLOCK ( Heayy Metal , Germany ) vinyl records released during the 1970s and 1980s. For each record you will have the record company's catalognr, album title, year and country of release. Complete information for each record can be viewed by selecting the corresponding links. Albums have been ordered in ascending alphabetical order of the album titles.

WARLOCK Band Description:

Warlock was a heavy metal band formed in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1982 by vocalist Doro Pesch and guitarist Rudy Graf. The band's lineup also included Peter Szigeti on guitar, Frank Rittel on bass, and Michael Eurich on drums. Warlock gained international recognition for their unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock, and Doro Pesch's powerful and charismatic stage presence .

The band's debut album, Burning the Witches, was released in 1984 and received critical acclaim for its energetic and aggressive sound. The album featured the hit single "Burning the Witches," which became a fan favorite and is still played at metal shows around the world. The album's success allowed Warlock to tour extensively throughout Europe and North America, sharing the stage with bands like Judas Priest, Dio, and W.A.S.P.

In 1985, Warlock released their second album, Hellbound, which continued their successful streak with a collection of high-energy tracks, including the title track "Hellbound" and the ballad "Catch My Heart." The album's success led to even more touring, and the band continued to build a loyal fan base in both Europe and North America.

Warlock's third album, True as Steel, was released in 1986 and featured a more polished and melodic sound. The album spawned several successful singles, including "Fight for Rock" and "Love in the Danger Zone." The band's popularity continued to grow, and they headlined their own tours across Europe and North America.

Despite their success, Warlock's career was cut short in 1987 when guitarist Rudy Graf and bassist Frank Rittel left the band. The remaining members continued under the name Doro, and Doro Pesch went on to achieve success as a solo artist. However, Warlock's legacy lives on, and they remain a beloved band in the heavy metal community.

One of the defining features of Warlock's sound was Doro Pesch's powerful and dynamic vocals. Her ability to sing both aggressive and melodic passages gave Warlock a unique sound that set them apart from other bands in the genre. Pesch's stage presence was also a major factor in Warlock's success, as she commanded the attention of audiences with her fierce energy and charisma.

Another defining feature of Warlock's sound was their combination of heavy metal and hard rock influences. The band's music blended the intensity and aggression of metal with the melodic sensibilities of rock, creating a sound that was both powerful and catchy. This approach helped Warlock appeal to a wide range of fans, from die-hard metalheads to casual rock listeners.

Warlock's influence can be heard in the music of many bands that followed in their footsteps. Their fusion of metal and rock has become a staple of the genre, and Doro Pesch's vocal style has inspired countless female metal vocalists. Warlock's impact on the heavy metal community is undeniable, and they remain a beloved band for fans of the genre.  

Why Doro Pesch Left Warlock
A Tale of Legal Battles and a New Musical Era

Doro Pesch, the iconic voice of German heavy metal, is known for her powerful vocals and enduring solo career. But many fans still wonder about her transition from fronting the band Warlock to her own successful path. While often simplified as a choice, the reality is Doro's hand was forced due to complex legal battles that ultimately changed the course of metal history.

Losing the Name, Not the Spirit

In the 1980s, Warlock achieved significant underground and mainstream success. However, internal turmoil arose when a legal dispute erupted between Doro and the band's manager over rights to the "Warlock" name and associated merchandise. This battle raged on, leaving Doro ultimately stripped of the ability to use the band's name.

To make matters worse, Doro's record label was reluctant to invest in promoting a completely new and unknown band. They saw more marketability in maintaining the "Doro" name , recognizing her as its central figure.

From Warlock to Doro: A Forced Transition

While Doro hadn't planned on a solo career, the pressures from the legal loss and her record label essentially closed the book on her time with Warlock. Original band members had already departed, furthering the instability of the group.

Despite this major setback, Doro's determination and talent remained unchanged. Her solo career became a natural continuation of her musical journey, albeit under a different banner. Notably, she continues to perform classic Warlock anthems in her live shows, a testament to the enduring legacy of the band.

Teutonic Titans: Metal Bands That Ruled Alongside Warlock

Warlock, fronted by the indomitable Doro Pesch, carved a path for women in the male-dominated world of heavy metal during the early 1980s. But they weren't alone in flying the flag for German metal excellence. Here's a look at other Teutonic bands who were making waves during that same era:

The Undisputed Champions

Accept: With their raw energy, anthemic choruses, and Udo Dirkschneider's iconic rasp, Accept became the defining sound of German metal. Their albums "Restless and Wild" (1982) and "Balls to the Wall" (1983) are absolute must-listens.

Scorpions: While already established, the Scorpions truly ascended to global stardom in the early 80s. "Blackout" (1982) and "Love at First Sting" (1984) catapulted them to arena-filling status, blending hard rock power with unforgettable melodies.

Heavy Hitters

Grave Digger: Formed in 1980, Grave Digger delivered classic heavy metal with fist-pumping riffs and powerful vocals. Their early releases, "Heavy Metal Breakdown" (1984) and "Witch Hunter" (1985), cemented their place in the scene.

This era was a golden age for German heavy metal. These bands, alongside Warlock, created a legacy of powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and an unwavering passion that still resonates with metalheads worldwide.

WARLOCK - Burning the Witches
WARLOCK - Burning the Witches album front cover vinyl record

The genesis of "Burning The Witches" can be traced back to the creative cauldron of the early 1980s, a time when heavy metal was forging its identity amid the cacophony of distorted guitars and powerful vocals

Burning the Witches 12" Vinyl LP
WARLOCK - Hellbound (Germany and Holland Releases)
WARLOCK - Hellbound (Germany and Holland Releases) album front cover vinyl record

The band's distinctive style blended elements of traditional heavy metal with the raw intensity of European power metal "Hellbound", their second studio album, solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.

- Hellbound (1985, Germany) - Hellbound (1985, Holland)
WARLOCK - Triumph and Agony (West-German and Netherlands Release)
WARLOCK - Triumph and Agony (West-German and Netherlands Release) album front cover vinyl record

Warlock, led by the charismatic frontwoman Doro Pesch, established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the 1980s metal scene. "Triumph and Agony" was their fourth studio album and marked a crucial point in their musical evolution.

- Triumph and Agony (1987, Holland) - Triumph and Agony (1987, West-Germany)
WARLOCK - True as Steel
WARLOCK - True as Steel (1986). album front cover vinyl record

Warlock's driving force was the inimitable Doro Pesch, a powerhouse vocalist with undeniable stage presence. Her raw energy and soaring vocals on tracks like "Fight For Rock," epitomized the spirit of classic 80s heavy metal.

True as Steel (1986) 12" Vinyl LP