"Saltatio Mortis" translates to "Dance of Death" in English.

With "Dust & Shadows," Saltatio Mortis opens another chapter in their band history and returns to the stage in 2026 with a new live tour. The tour marks the beginning of an extraordinary collaboration with one of Germany's most successful fantasy authors, Torsten Weitze, whose new novel series "The Prince of Dust and Shadows" will be musically accompanied by the band. Together, they are creating an artistic overall concept in which music and literature merge into a narrative that takes shape both on stage and in the book.

In five consecutive EPs, Saltatio Mortis will design the musical world for the five volumes of the novel series, with each release telling an epic that can also be enjoyed independently of the book series. This creates an artistic symbiosis: where Weitze creates worlds of sand, dust, and shadows, Saltatio Mortis fills them with sound, rhythm, and voice. The music becomes part of the narrative—and the narrative becomes part of the music.

The first EP "Dust and Shadows - Homecoming" will be released on January 23, 2026, alongside the first novel of the book series. The subsequent EPs will be released throughout the year in parallel with the following novels. Saltatio Mortis will present the project together with Weitze on October 19 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, providing a first glimpse into the collaborative project.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Saltatio Mortis has represented music that combines historical sound colors with modern rock sound, boasting multiple number-one albums, gold certifications, and a loyal fan base that celebrates the band as pioneers of a scene that values authenticity and attitude.

With their previous albums such as "Forever Free" (2020) and "Dark Watch" (2024), Saltatio Mortis has continually explored new musical forms—from a medieval-influenced sound with acoustic elements to modern rock productions and crossover projects. The Castle Tour 2026 builds on the band's adaptability; it is both a return to their roots and a step into a new chapter.