Interview: Verbannt (Written)
Enigmatic newcomers Verbannt will release their all-consuming debut EP, ‘Falsche Versprechen’ (False Promises), on Friday 8th November, via Der Abt Records. The release is also backed by their enticing new single and video, ‘Schrei Ohne Antwort’, which arrives on Friday 1st November. In this interview we learn a little more about Verbannt.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
Hello, thanks for having me. Verbannt is a brand-new project that emerged in late 2024 here in London, where I currently reside. It’s a one-man project by myself, Der Abt. At its core, the project is a protest against racism and discrimination, especially towards immigrants like myself.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
The simplest answer would be blackened death metal, but is that really it? At least that’s how I perceive Verbannt’s music. It carries the aggressiveness and brutality of death metal but, at the same time, the harmony and atmosphere clearly point to black metal influences.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
At the moment, we’re excited to release our debut EP Falsche Versprechen on November 8th. This marks Verbannt’s first release and establishes our presence in the music scene. We’re also working on a full-length album, aiming for release in early 2025.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
I’d say achieving the sound I was aiming for. For the production and mixing nerds out there, it’s about nailing the mix quality I had in mind—banging, loud, and huge.
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge in making music is staying true to the artistic vision. I’ve been writing music for over 10 years, and that has always remained important. I humbly believe that with Verbannt, I’ve managed to stay authentic and respectful toward the music.
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
It’s tough. While I’m not entirely old-school, this is a reality I’ve had to deal with from the start—though it was different 10 years ago. Today, the pressure is even greater as more social media platforms emerge, and you’re expected to be active on all of them. But in the end, these platforms help us promote our music and artistic message, and we have control over how we engage. As long as it doesn’t interfere with creativity, I’m okay with it.
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
A classic issue is the “one-show wonders,” particularly with opening acts. Opening for a big act is a great opportunity for new bands to showcase their abilities, expose themselves to new audiences, and hopefully gain new fans. But we all know these acts aren’t always chosen transparently. Sometimes, due to “friendships” and “connections,” more deserving bands are left out, never given a fair chance.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
1 million pounds! Just kidding—or am I? Seriously though, the best way to support us is to stream our music on their preferred platform, share it with friends, and for the truly generous, they can buy our EP on Bandcamp. That way, they can own it and listen anytime, without needing to stream.
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
More music! It’s always music. I unwind by playing piano, writing non-metal tunes, and practicing mixing techniques.
10. Where can people find you?
We’re currently on Instagram and Facebook (links below), and we’ll be on all streaming platforms soon after our debut EP is released.
