Ratlehole is a virtual metal-rock band and artistic project by Austrian lyricist and musician Franz Habegger.
It exists at the intersection of human creativity and machine precision — a hybrid sound organism merging classical composition, modern sound design and artificial performance into a new form of digital music theatre.

All lyrics and core melodies are written by hand, while voices, orchestras and instruments are produced using state-of-the-art computer technology. Modeled voices, algorithmic orchestras and synthetic guitars merge into a sound that feels half human, half machine.
Ratlehole is therefore less a traditional band and more an audiovisual art project exploring the boundaries between composition, AI and performance.

Founded in Vienna — in an old rehearsal cellar known as “the rat hole” — the project grew into a symbol of creativity born from darkness, irony and digital vision.

With The Nibelung Saga (2025), Habegger created an epic metal opera uniting Germanic mythology, symphonic grandeur and digital precision.

FRANZ & SISSI – THE NEXT CHAPTER (2026)

For 2026, Ratlehole will release the next concept project: “Franz and Sissi” — a satirical musical series about Austria’s imperial couple.
A new genre was created for this purpose: Comedy Metal — a fusion of imperial history, dark humor and metal aesthetics.
A digital music drama full of madness, wit and Viennese apocalypse romanticism.

The first single “Back to Schönbrunn” has already been released and praised by numerous curators:

Indiefferential Magazine
“A captivating performance from start to finish… emotional honesty and technical mastery.”

OverRocks Website & Radio
“Excellent production and sensational sound!”

SSROCK Rádio
“Captivating melody, clean mix, perfectly balanced.”

Radio-TV Arthis Brussels
“Brilliant and original — a fantastic blend of humor, imagination and musical craftsmanship.”