Published: September 2, 2025 · 10:31 AM EDT
Photo credits: SPV Steamhammer
German hard rock legends Victory join the SPV Steamhammer roster and confirm plans for a brand new studio album expected in fall 2026 marking the next chapter in their storied career.
It's official at last: German Hard Rock legends Victory, helmed by guitarist and songwriter Herman Frank, have signed with SPV/Steamhammer. A new studio album is scheduled for release in autumn 2026, preceded by three lead singles, including videos.
The quintet. currently consisting of Herman Frank, Gianni Pontillo (vocals), Mike Pesin (rhythm guitar), Malte Frederik Burkert (bass), and Michael Stein (drums) is now on a major festival tour and has proven its impressive musical skill, performing at the Wacken Open Air, the Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, and the Brienzersee Rockfestival in Switzerland, among others. Those lucky enough to have been at those shows refer to one of the best line-ups in Victory's career to date. So it comes as no surprise that the new concert dates have already been set well into 2026. More information to follow soon!
Herman Frank and co. are in the preparatory stage of their upcoming studio recordings, and the first number "God Kissed Me Twice" has already been finalized. "The song title is a little autobiographical," smiles Frank. "Because I really do feel like I've been kissed by God twice!"
The band's signing of their contract with SPV/Steamhammer, which the Victory mastermind feels is a little like winning the jackpot, supports this sentiment: "To me, Steamhammer, with their many years of experience in the rock and metal genres, are the go-to record company in Germany. As a resident of my chosen city, Hanover, the new contract feels like coming home!"
SPV/Steamhammer label manager Olly Hahn is also delighted with this successful coup, saying, "Victory's classic album Don't Get Mad ... Get Even is one of the best hard rock records of all time, as far as I am concerned. So, naturally, it's a great pleasure to welcome this band to our label. What Herman Frank has achieved with Victory in recent years is truly outstanding, and I'm sure that together we'll be able to build on that even further!"
VICTORY LIVE IN 2025 + 2026:
9/6 — Falkenfels, DE — Hard Summer Festival
10/2 — Oberhausen, DE — Resonanzwerk
1/10 — Hamburg, DE — Knust
1/30 — Coesfeld, DE — Fabrik
5/9 — Barcelona, ES — Sala Salamandra
6/12 — Ulmbach, DE — Ulmich Om Braand
6/17 — Balge, DE — Rock das Ding Festival
7/18 — Bremervörde, DE — Metal Lake Festival
