BEHIND THE COURTS was founded in 2022 by Andreas Schmal and Peter Oßwald, as well as Peter’s then sixteen-year-old son Robert.

Shortly afterward, the likewise sixteen-year-old Johanna Häußler joined as the drummer. And in early 2023, the well-known guitarist Kaeye Dästner reinforced the band, completing the line-up.

Their musical training, the different musical genres they came from and the variety of playing styles that resulted from this helped the musicians – despite and especially because of their age differences – to unite and live out their passion for Heavy Metal and narrative soundscapes. What began as a joint project quickly evolved into an independent band with a clear artistic vision.

From the very beginning, it was clear that BEHIND THE COURTS would accept no stylistic boundaries. The band combines classic Heavy Metal with various subgenres – from dark and doom-laden riffs to thrash explosions of energy to melodic, almost epic passages. This stylistic spectrum makes their sound diverse, raw and yet densely atmospheric.

A distinctive hallmark of the band is the lyrical content of their songs, which goes far beyond typical Metal themes, as each individual song tells a story. Every piece feels like a small chapter of a larger whole: sometimes melancholic, dark and mystical, sometimes socially critical and questioning; sometimes introspective or inspired by the people described. Or simply like a theatrical scene from life itself.
The band sees their music as a form of modern storytelling in which sound and narrative stand side by side as equals. With “TALEING METAL,” the band has created its own genre.

In 2025 Johanna Häußler had to leave the band for professional reasons. However, shortly thereafter Alexander Seifried was found as an adequate and highly skilled successor. His musical background enriches the band with additional and interesting facets.

Since their formation, BEHIND THE COURTS has continuously worked on new song material. Their growing fan base particularly appreciates the band’s emotional authenticity and the feeling of diving into a new world with every song.
With their blend of energy, craftsmanship and narrative depth, BEHIND THE COURTS will carve out their place in the Metal scene – because their journey has only just begun.

BEHIND THE COURTS are:

Peter Osswald (vocals) – Andreas Schmal (guitar) – Kaeye Dästner (guitar) – Robert Osswald (bass) – Alexander Seifried (drums)