R.I.P. Django – Remembering a Founding Force of StormHammer
By Horst | StormHammer
It’s with a heavy heart that I write these words. I just heard — by accident — that our former drummer Django passed away a few days ago. The news hit me unexpectedly, and while we had lost contact over the years, the sadness I feel is real and deep. Django was a crucial part of StormHammer in its earliest days, and his contributions shaped the path that would lead us forward. Today, we remember and honor the man who helped start it all.
Django joined StormHammer in the band’s formative years — a time filled with raw passion, late-night rehearsals, and big dreams. Back then, none of us truly knew where this journey would take us. What we did know was that Django had a fire inside him. He wasn’t just a drummer — he was a force. He brought energy, drive, and belief into the room. He pushed us to aim higher and believe in ourselves when we were still just a group of hopeful musicians trying to find our voice.
One of Django’s most lasting legacies is the role he played in securing our first record deal with Century Media. Without him, that step may never have happened. It was a milestone that opened doors, gave us real visibility, and ultimately propelled StormHammer onto a larger stage. That alone is something we’ll always owe to him.
But Django didn’t stop there. He was also the one who got us the support slot on the Blind Guardian tour — a massive opportunity for any up-and-coming metal band. Sharing stages with giants of the genre was surreal, and it helped establish our name in the European metal scene. For that, again, we have Django to thank.
It’s strange to reflect on how someone can be so pivotal in your journey, and then, over time, become a distant memory. Life has a way of pulling people in different directions, and Django was a very “special” person — intense, passionate, sometimes difficult. We eventually parted ways, and that decision wasn’t easy. Creative differences, personal tensions, and the general wear and tear of life in a band all played a part.
Even then, I never stopped respecting Django’s talent and his impact on our story. He may have had his flaws — as we all do — but he also had this unmatched drive that helped StormHammer become more than just a local act. He helped us believe that we could stand among the best. And for a while, we did.
Sadly, after we split, I lost contact with him. There were no falling-outs or harsh words — just distance. Years went by, and like many former bandmates do, we drifted. I always thought maybe one day I’d run into him at a show, or at least hear from him through the grapevine. Instead, the next time I heard his name was in the context of death.
To be honest, I don’t know the details of how he died. It almost doesn’t matter. What matters is that someone who once shared our stage, our dreams, and our struggles is no longer among us. That’s a sobering thought.
To Django: thank you. Thank you for your time with us, for your energy, for your belief, and for all the opportunities you helped create. Thank you for playing a part in building something that still stands today. StormHammer wouldn’t be what it is without your hand in its foundation.
On behalf of the band — and from me personally — I want to extend our condolences to Django’s family, friends, and anyone who loved him. He was a powerful musician, a fiery spirit, and, for a time, our brother in metal. We will remember him not just for his drumming, but for his undeniable role in our story.
Rest in power, Django.
May the thunder of your drums echo forever.
—Horst and the members of StormHammer.
