Powerwolf, the German power metal band known for their werewolf-themed music, has been making waves in the metal scene for years. But despite their growling vocals and face paint, the band's keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel is a man of many secrets.

For one, Schlegel has a secret ambition to become a truck driver. “I love the idea of being on the open road, driving from place to place, and seeing all the amazing sights that the world has to offer,” he says.

But Schlegel's true passion is music, and he's been fortunate enough to meet some of his heroes along the way. When asked about his favorite musical encounters, Schlegel's eyes light up. “Meeting Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden was definitely a highlight of my career,” he says. “He's such a charismatic guy, and he's still got that rockstar swagger even after all these years.”

Schlegel also shares a story about meeting Alice Cooper, who apparently told the band that their version of his hit song “Poison” was better than his own. “We were blown away,” Schlegel recalls. “To hear that from one of our idols was just amazing.”

Powerwolf is known for their elaborate live shows, which often feature werewolf costumes and face paint. But Schlegel says that the makeup is more than just a gimmick - it's a way for the band to connect with their fans. “When we're on stage, we're not just playing music - we're telling a story,” he says. “The makeup is a part of that story, and it helps us to get into character.”

Despite their theatrical live shows, Powerwolf is a band that's deeply rooted in metal tradition. Schlegel cites bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest as influences, and says that he's always been drawn to the energy and power of heavy metal music. “There's just something about metal that's so raw and emotional,” he says. “When you're on stage, playing a show, and the crowd is singing along - there's no feeling quite like it.”

As for what's next for Powerwolf, Schlegel says that the band is already working on new material. “We're always looking for ways to push ourselves creatively,” he says. “We're not just a band that's content to play the same old songs over and over again - we want to challenge ourselves and try new things.”