Interview with Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Firewind, Seventh Avenue, etc.) |

“I am a Kid From The Eighties”

Anyone who remembers Seventh Avenue is unlikely to have missed Herbie Langhans’ voice. Over time, the Germans from Seventh Avenue managed to become a cult band, and despite their split a few years ago, the unique style they brought to the power metal genre still resonates with those of us who remember them.
But Herbie Langhans is not just Seventh Avenue. He has participated in as many projects as he could, and what stands out most in recent times is his long stint with Firewind (the band of renowned guitarist Gus G.) and his collaboration with Avantasia, a band with which he performed a few days ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and which went unnoticed by many. Now, Herbie has also decided to go solo, starting by releasing a few singles on which he plays all the instruments. So it was the perfect time to interview him, especially since he recently decided to leave Firewind.
Of course, in addition to the future ahead, it was necessary to ask if there was a possibility of a rematch with Seventh Avenue. The answer leaves us with some questions, and also some suspicions, but let’s get to everything Herbie Langhans answered in this interesting interview….

A few days ago, we knew through a notice from you that you were leaving Firewind. What were the specific reasons for making that decision?

“I don’t wanna tour that much again, and Firewind is fulltime working band, and a touring band. And more important, I wanna be more at home with my family. Ai wanna focus more on studiojobs, my own projects, producing and of course Avantasia.”

In any case, you’re going to continue working with Tobias Sammet and Avantasia, right?

“Of course! There where also schedule clashings with shows, Festivals and touring with Firewind, that’s why I had to make a decision. But it was never AGAINST Firewind.”

We saw you with Avantasia a few days ago here in Buenos Aires. What did you think of the response from the audience in South America in general?

“Man, I always love it to play in South America, and this show was the hottest show ever haha. It’s the heaviest energy you can get from an audience.”

You recently released the song “Glow” as a single. Are you planning to record a solo album? Can we expect more new songs in the near future?

“Yeah, for the first time I will release solo songs and yes there will be more of course. Because of all the touring the last years I really missed it to be crative and write songs. Now I just starting to do everything by myself (all instruments). For now there is now album planned, just singles for streaming, but let’s see…”

We thought “Glow” was very much in the vein of 80s hard rock. Tell us some details about its composition and recording…

“That was the first song I wrote for my solo songs, and yeah for sure I am a kid from the eighties and I like these kind of sounds. I always have a good feeling when I hear the old stuff from Journey, Survivor and and all these 80s Soundtracks. And I am a very positiv guy and I like to share my positiv vibes also in the lyrics… and so GLOW was born.”

We first got to know you through your work with Seventh Avenue, a band that broke up some time ago. Is there any chance of reviving the band or a commemorative reunion?

“I am not sure yet… I never said never, but for now there are no plans. There where some offers, but who knows ;-)…”.

Since we’re on the subject of Seventh Avenue, for those who don’t know, why did the band break up?

“Because I was the only member from the beginning, I wrote everything and produced it, but we felt that we have something together that feels more like ours! So then we started Radiant. And the other guys where not really into Metal. And I also don’t wanted to play only in the “White Metal“ Scene, I still don’t like that word. For me it was just Classic Metal, but everybody just put us into that White Metal Genre.”

Of all the albums you released with Seventh Avenue, which is your favorite and why?

“Between the worlds” was a new beginning of the band, when I started to build the band again, and from that day I was responsible for songwriting and producing, that’s why it’s very special for me. But y favorite album is “TERIUM”, best production, cool concept and great songs.”

With Firewind, you participated in two albums and a live album. Again, which was your favorite and what can you take away from the experience of working with them?

“It was great to work with these guys and I also learned a lot from them as well. I am very proud of both albums. First album I had to work very quick because there was a deadline, but the result was great. And on the second album I wrote a lot together with Gus, so it felt more like our band. But both are great.”

You have also participated in many other projects and as a guest on several albums. What new projects do you have in mind for the future?

“I am still in a lot of projects like Lightbringers of Sweden for example, and there will be new stuff as well. I am also doing a lot of guest vocals here and there, so there is always something to release haha ;-)”.

Currently, there is a trend toward digital music editing and even the use of AI in composition and recording. What is your opinion on this?

“I don’t use AI for music, for graphics yes (here and there). I don’t like the trend so much. But it helps a lot of songwriters to have some music for their lyrics, and it’s a way to explain it to producers to record it in a proper way then.”

How do you see the Metal scene in Europe and the rest of the world?

“The Metal Scene and in general the whole music industry has changed. It’s heavier then ever to survive with doing music. Not much physicals anymore and somehow you have to follow the trend, that’s why I release my singles also on streamingplattforms, but it’s a pretty unfair game.”

Europe is a political hotbed where extreme ideologies constantly clash. How do you see the current situation, and what is your opinion on it?

“I am not so much into politics, but it really scares me when I see the wrongs parties getting bigger and bigger. There is so much hate in peoples minds that they choose the wrong way and then they hope it’s getting any better.”

Seventh Avenue has always been a band with Christian content. Do you currently consider yourself a Christian? Beyond religion itself, what are your thoughts on God and Christianity?

“I still call me a christian, but that is for me and I don’t wanna mix it with music to be honest, same with politics. I still try to be the best version of myself and I always try to treat people with love and respect.”

We’ll leave you with one last space for anything else you’d like to say to our readers…

“I am so thankful for th gift of music and that I still can go this way. And I am always happy when I can share it with you, if it’s on CD, on streamingplatforms, or LIVE when we all can see your sweaty and smiling faces. As long as I do music I will always love it to come back to crazy South America!!! Love ya”

It should be clarified that no, there has been no announcement about a return of Seventh Avenue. But Herbie Langhans’ statements leave the door open. We’ll see. In the meantime, he continues his journey alongside Tobias Sammet in Avantasia, and as if that weren’t enough, he has decided to launch a solo career, starting with the single “Glow,” which we’ve included below so you can hear what Herbie Langhans is up to. According to what he told us, there will surely be more material coming soon. As always, it’s very interesting to chat with Herbie, and we hope to do so again in the future….

https://www.facebook.com/rockmetalsinger