The band used alongside the traditional instruments of rock music (bass, drums, acoustic and electric guitar) various instruments of medieval music like the shawm, hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes. They also  include typical folk instruments like fiddle and accordion, as an integral part of their music. Schandmaul's music is mainly from folk and rock influences.

The texts are written in German and sometimes included in syntax and word choice of a medieval coloring. They often tell little stories, most of which are embedded in a medieval world.  The stories seem in these cases (for example, by the narrative), such as fairy tales or legends.

Throughout history, the band style of music and text have changed. On the newer albums are now increasingly "harder" soundd, as expressed for example in the use of a more dominant electric guitar. 

Founding Members

Vocals, accordion, acoustic guitar, piano, Thomas Lindner
Violin, hurdy-gurdy Anna Katharina Kränzlein
Drums, percussion, fanfare Stefan Brunner
Guitar Martin Christoph "Ducky" Duckstein
Shepherd pipe, shawm, noise pipe, flute, vocals Birgit Muggenthaler
Bass guitar, mandolin, hurdy gurdy Hubert "Hubsi" Widmann (to 2002)

Current Band Members

Vocals, accordion, acoustic guitar, piano, Thomas Lindner
Violin, hurdy-gurdy, viola, vocals Anna Katharina Kränzlein
Drums, percussion, brass band, Vocals Stefan Brunner
Guitar, vocals Martin Christoph "Ducky" Duckstein
Shepherd pipe, shawm, noise pipe, flute, vocals Birgit Muggenthaler-Schmack
Bass guitar, double bass Matthias "Hiasl" Richter (since 2002)

By Melanie Bradley