What makes The Beauty and the Beast by Stormwitch notable?

The album is notable for its rich storytelling and dramatic compositions, which helped cement Stormwitch's reputation in the heavy metal genre. It received positive reviews and contributed to the band's growing influence in Germany's metal scene during the late 1980s, showcasing the melding of fantasy themes with heavy music that would inspire subsequent artists. Released in January 1987, The Beauty and the Beast is Stormwitch's fourth studio album, coming after their previous release, Walpurgis Night. At this stage, the band had established themselves within the European heavy metal scene but sought to further solidify their presence with a more ambitious sound and thematic depth.

Who is The Beauty and the Beast for?

The Beauty and the Beast works well if you're into theatrical storytelling with dark themes, immersive narratives that unfold gradually and live tracks enhancing emotional intensity.

How many songs are on The Beauty and the Beast?

The Beauty and the Beast has 18 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

The Beauty and the Beast

Stormwitch · 1987

78 min · 18 tracks · heavy metal

Epic heavy metal anthems blend melodic guitar riffs with theatrical lyrical storytelling across a darkly immersive soundscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Beauty and the Beast — This title track encapsulates the album's central theme of duality, marrying haunting melodies with powerful instrumentation that reflects the tension between beauty and darkness.
→
Russia’s on Fire — With its driving rhythms and urgent lyrics, this song stands out as a commentary on geopolitical tensions of the era, showcasing the band's ability to infuse social commentary into their music.
→
Tigers of the Sea — This track highlights Stormwitch’s knack for storytelling, weaving a narrative of adventure that resonates with fans of both heavy metal and classic literature.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

theatrical storytelling with dark themes
immersive narratives that unfold gradually
live tracks enhancing emotional intensity
dynamic shifts between calm and

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, single-focused songs
seek instant gratification over depth

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1987, The Beauty and the Beast is Stormwitch's fourth studio album, coming after their previous release, Walpurgis Night. At this stage, the band had established themselves within the European heavy metal scene but sought to further solidify their presence with a more ambitious sound and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Blind Guardian· Helloween· Iced Earth

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Call of the Wicked 2:56
2 The Beauty and the Beast 4:20
3 Just for One Night 3:22
4 Emerald Eye 3:41
5 Tears by the Firelight 4:03
6 Tigers of the Sea 4:06
7 Russia’s on Fire 6:03
8 Cheyenne (Where the Eagles Retreat) 4:58
9 Welcome to Bedlam 3:21
10 Emerald Eye (live) 3:49
11 Call of the Wicked (live) 2:59
12 The Beauty and the Beast (live) 4:22
13 Tears by the Firelight (live) 5:01
14 Russia’s on Fire (live) 5:22
15 Thunder and Lightning (live) 3:55
16 Cheyenne (live) 5:20
17 Away From the Darkness (live) 3:12
18 Tigers of the Sea (live) 7:33

What to play next

Listen next

Eye of the Storm

1989

Go back to

Stronger Than Heaven

1986

Full Stormwitch discography Artists like Stormwitch

heavy metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata