Saltatio Mortis

An intense live act with an elaborate stage show, medieval metal outfit Saltatio Mortis emerged in the early 2000s and led Germany's Middle Ages band -- or "Mittelalterband" -- movement by being one of the first groups to combine epic-scale rock songs with period instruments like lutes and bagpipes. Since debuting in 2001, the acclaimed group has landed three number one albums, including 2015's Zirkus Zeitgeist, which was certified gold. Saltatio Mortis was formed in 2000 near the German city of Mannheim, where they would busk dressed in Middle Ages attire. They made their d...