Artist
Michael Schinkel
Michael Schinkel is a German guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Munich, Germany. He first gained recognition in the 1980s as the frontman and guitarist of the hard rock and metal bands Southern Comfort (1983–1986) and Firefox (1986–1992), establishing himself within the South German rock and metal scene.
His musical journey began in the late 1970s with various punk and rock projects before he turned his focus toward classic hard rock and heavy metal. Over the following decades, he developed his distinctive style, characterized by virtuosic guitar playing, memorable melodies, and powerful vocal performances.
In 1992, Michael Schinkel founded Michael Schinkel’s Eternal Flame, which quickly became his primary musical outlet. With albums such as Desire, King of the King, Smoke on the Mountain, and Gravitation, Eternal Flame established itself as a respected force within the melodic hard rock and neo-classical metal genres. As the band’s creative driving force, songwriter, and producer, Schinkel continues to shape its unique sound and artistic vision.
In addition to Eternal Flame, Michael Schinkel has been active as vocalist for the German metal band StormHammer and has collaborated with internationally acclaimed musicians including Göran Edman, Mark Boals, and Herman Rarebell. Alongside his performing career, he has worked extensively as a producer and songwriter, contributing to projects across the rock, metal, pop, and schlager genres.
With his distinctive blend of technical guitar mastery, expressive vocals, and a strong sense for memorable melodies, Michael Schinkel has been captivating fans of melodic hard rock and heavy metal for more than four decades. His music combines the spirit of classic rock with modern production standards and a unique personal touch.
Currently, Michael Schinkel is working together with internationally renowned vocalist Mark Boals (formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, Ring of Fire, Royal Hunt, and Uli Jon Roth, among others) on the fifth studio album by Michael Schinkel’s Eternal Flame. The new album, entitled “Man Or God,” is scheduled for release in October 2026 and promises a powerful blend of melodic hard rock, epic arrangements, and outstanding musicianship. The collaboration with Mark Boals once again highlights the international scope and musical ambition of the project.
With Michael Schinkel’s Eternal Flame, the Munich-based musician continues to pursue his artistic vision and remains one of Germany’s enduring representatives of melodic hard rock and neo-classical metal.
