German pop-punk outfit Killerpilze (Killer Fungus) formed in the Bavarian town of Dillingen an der Donau in 2002. Singer/guitarist Johannes Halbig assembled the original lineup, enlisting brother Fabian to play drums before recruiting lead guitarist Max Schlichter and bassist Andreas Schlagenhaft. Though at the time of its release the four members' ages still only ranged anywhere from 13 to 16, Killerpilze issued their low-key debut, Von Vorne Durch die Punkalle, in 2004.nnBy 2005 the band had been signed to Universal Records and Invasion der Killerpilze appeared the following year, alongside the hit single "Richtig Scheiße." Next, in 2007, they issued their second major-label studio album, Mit Pauken und Raketen, but this was a year that also led to the departure of Schlagenhaft.nn Killerpilze diligently toured Europe throughout this period before a split from Universal led to the launch of their own Killerpilzerecords and the release of a fourth full-length, Lautonom, in late 2010.nnIn what proved to be a busy year for the trio, 2010 also saw the band make appearances at major German festivals, embark on a tour of Turkey, and start work on a fifth record. Ein Bisschen Zeitgeist was issued in spring 2011, prior to another lengthy tour of Europe, which ultimately led to something of a live hiatus. Preferring not to juggle any live commitments with time spent on composition, Killerpilze used the entirety of 2012 to craft the songs that eventually formed Grell. Released in March 2013, it was their most mature album to date, incorporating aspects of indie rock into their pop-punk sound. ~ Jason Ankeny & James Wilkinson