Let me be honest: when I first heard that Saltatio Mortis — yes, the Saltatio Mortis, Germany’s medieval rock powerhouse — had released a glam rock album under the pseudonym „Bad Loverz,“ I thought someone was pranking me. These are the folks who’ve spent years perfecting the art of combining bagpipes with distorted guitars, singing about historical battles and folklore. Glam rock? Really?
And then I hit play on „Greatest Hits,“ which dropped on October 10, 2025.
Reader, I haven’t stopped grinning since.
Neon-Fueled Chaos Meets Sing-Along Perfection
The website promises „neon-fueled chaos“ and „sing-along power ballads,“ and honestly? They undersell it. This isn’t just a collection of covers — it’s a love letter to the songs we’ve all screamed in cars, at parties, and in shower concerts for decades. But filtered through the wonderfully warped lens of musicians who clearly decided, „You know what? Let’s just have some fun.“
The moment „Livin‘ on a Prayer“ kicked in, I was transported. Not to a New Jersey dive bar in 1986, but to some alternate universe where Bon Jovi wore more eyeliner and the guitar solos were somehow even more theatrical. It’s the lead single for a reason — it perfectly encapsulates what Bad Loverz is about: taking something iconic and saying, „But what if we made it more?“
A Tracklist That Reads Like a Time Machine
Let’s talk about the song selection, because this is where things get really interesting. These aren’t deep cuts or obscure B-sides. These are hits — the kind that defined eras:
- „Livin‘ on a Prayer“ (Bon Jovi) — The obvious choice for a single, and they nail it.
- „The Look“ (Roxette) — I’ve always loved this song, and hearing it through Bad Loverz’s filter adds a layer of drama I didn’t know it needed.
- „…Baby One More Time“ (Britney Spears) — Yes, really. And no, I’m not ashamed to admit I played this three times in a row.
- „Never Gonna Give You Up“ (Rick Astley) — The ultimate Rickroll, now with 100% more leather pants energy.
- „We’re Not Gonna Take It“ (Twisted Sister) — A glam anthem covering a glam anthem. Meta? Absolutely.
- „Angels“ (Robbie Williams) — This one surprised me. It’s tender, it’s big, and somehow they make it work without losing the emotional punch.
- „Major Tom“ (Peter Schilling) — Space exploration meets glam rock. I didn’t know I needed this crossover until now.
What strikes me is the fearlessness of these choices. Britney Spears next to Twisted Sister? Rick Astley rubbing shoulders with Robbie Williams? In lesser hands, this would be a mess. But Bad Loverz understand something crucial: these songs are classics for a reason. They respect the originals while having the confidence to make them their own.
Serious Musicians Having Serious Fun
Here’s the thing about Bad Loverz that I really appreciate: this is obviously a fun project. The band isn’t trying to reinvent themselves or make a profound artistic statement. They’re playing dress-up with some of the catchiest songs in pop and rock history, and they’re having a blast doing it.
But — and this is important — the execution is anything but half-assed. The arrangements are thoughtful, the production is crisp and professional, and you can hear in every note that these are seasoned musicians who know exactly what they’re doing. It’s playful, not sloppy. It’s tongue-in-cheek, not lazy.
That’s the magic trick: Bad Loverz sounds like a joke band until you actually listen, and then you realize these people are good. Really good. Good enough to take songs you’ve heard a thousand times and make you hear them differently.
Who Is This For?
If you’re a Saltatio Mortis fan, this is a gift. You get to hear your favorite musicians let loose in a completely different context. No historical narratives, no medieval instrumentation — just pure, unapologetic pop-rock fun with big hooks and bigger hair (metaphorically speaking, at least).
If you’ve never heard of Saltatio Mortis? Welcome! This is probably the most accessible entry point into their creative universe. No prior knowledge required — just a willingness to embrace the glorious absurdity of hearing Britney Spears through the lens of musicians who usually sing about medieval Europe.
The Verdict: Guilty Pleasure or Legitimate Achievement?
Both. That’s the beauty of it.
„Greatest Hits“ is the album equivalent of a costume party where everyone fully commits to the bit. It’s silly, it’s self-aware, and it’s way more enjoyable than it has any right to be. These are professional musicians reminding us — and probably themselves — that music doesn’t always have to be serious to be good.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Bad Loverz is a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is put on some leather pants (actual or metaphorical), crank up a Bon Jovi cover, and just go for it.
Standout Tracks:
„Livin‘ on a Prayer,“ „…Baby One More Time,“ „The Look,“ „We’re Not Gonna Take It“
„Greatest Hits“ by Bad Loverz is available now on all major streaming platforms. Prepare for neon chaos, prepare for sing-alongs, and most importantly — prepare to have way more fun than you expected.: