Brats Reunites After 45 Years at Metal Magic Festival
For the first time in nearly four and a half decades, Brats — the pre-Mercyful Fate punk-metal band featuring guitarist Michael Denner — returned to the stage for a historic reunion performance at the Metal Magic Festival in Fredericia, Denmark, on Friday, July 11. This reunion featured Denner alongside original members bassist and vocalist Yenz Cheyenne and drummer Lars Monroe, marking a full-circle moment for a band that helped lay the groundwork for Denmark’s heavy metal legacy.
Social Media Support from Metal Legends
Ahead of the show, Denner‘s longtime Mercyful Fate bandmate and fellow Brats alum Hank Shermann (known as Hank De Wank during his Brats years) shared his support on social media:
“After nearly 45 years, Brats returns to the stage tonight at the Metal Magic festival. Playing most songs from the 1980 album with original members Yenz, Lars Monroe, and Michael Denner. Brats was my first band formed in spring of 1978. Yenz and Lars joined early 1979, Michael in autumn 1979, and King Diamond in November 1980. Quite some history… GO GUYS, hit it hard.”
The Evolution of Brats
Founded in 1978, Brats began as a punk-influenced rock act before evolving into a heavier sound that would eventually serve as a foundation for Mercyful Fate, particularly following the arrival of King Diamond in 1980. The lineup that took the stage at Metal Magic represented the final incarnation of Brats before their transformation into a band that would influence the heavy metal genre.
While Denner and Shermann later became one of the most respected guitar duos in metal history with Mercyful Fate, Brats holds a unique place in Danish rock lore as the launching pad for their musical collaboration and the early creative spark that contributed to an iconic metal sound.
Legacy of the Members
Yenz Cheyenne (also known as Jens Arnsted and Yenz Leonhardt) would go on to form hard rock acts such as Geisha and Y, the latter of which featured King Diamond bassist Hal Patino.
A Nostalgic Performance
The Metal Magic Festival performance focused on material from Brats’ 1980 album, a cult release that encapsulated the raw, genre-bending energy of the band before they ventured into the darker, more theatrical realms of Mercyful Fate. For fans of early Scandinavian metal and punk-infused hard rock, the performance served as a time capsule, blending nostalgia with a celebration of the genre’s rebellious roots.
Denner’s Impact on Metal
Denner played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Mercyful Fate, contributing to landmark albums such as Melissa in 1983 and Don’t Break the Oath in 1984. His collaboration with Hank Shermann became iconic, known for its blend of neoclassical flair and sinister riffing, which helped define the early black metal aesthetic and inspire countless musicians.
After Mercyful Fate‘s initial split in 1985, Denner continued to work with King Diamond on his self-titled band’s debut album, Fatal Portrait, in 1986. Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Denner remained active within the Danish metal scene and later rejoined Mercyful Fate during their 1990s reunion, contributing to several albums, including In the Shadows and Time.
Conclusion
The reunion of Brats at the Metal Magic Festival not only marked a significant moment in the band’s history but also served as a reminder of the rich legacy they helped create in the metal genre. As one of the pioneering acts in Denmark, their influence on the music scene continues to resonate, showcasing the powerful roots of Scandinavian metal.
FAQs
What is Brats known for?
Brats is known for being a pre-Mercyful Fate punk-metal band that helped pave the way for Denmark’s heavy metal scene.
Who were the original members of Brats?
The original members of Brats include guitarist Michael Denner, bassist and vocalist Yenz Cheyenne, and drummer Lars Monroe.
When did Brats perform their reunion show?
Brats performed their reunion show on July 11, 2023, at the Metal Magic Festival in Fredericia, Denmark.
What was the focus of Brats’ reunion performance?
The reunion performance focused on material from Brats’ 1980 album, showcasing their punk-influenced rock sound before transitioning into heavier metal.
What legacy did Brats leave in the metal scene?
Brats is recognized as a crucial part of the early Danish metal scene, laying the groundwork for bands like Mercyful Fate and influencing future generations of metal musicians.
