Review: “Falsche Versprechen” by Verbannt

While we look back on past lives with a sense that modern times are so much better, sometimes we forget about the dark corners of societies underbelly. Questioning the harsh realities faced by marginalised communities and focusing on the emotional struggles of exile, alienation and systemic racism that they face, Verbannt have been building a reputation for a raw, unholy and chaotic sound. Feeding on the darkness of discriminatory systems and violence embedded in modern societies, they step forth, spitting and snarling in Blackened Death Metal with shrieks and growls, matching the savagery they witness and mirroring it…

If you have witnessed bands like Draconian Reign or Existentialist in recent times then you’ll have an idea of what Verbannt sound like with opening cut  “Glas und Eise” (or “Glass and Iron“) painting in impressive portrait. Symphonic Blackened Death Metal is arguably the best description as raw, brutal vocals performed entirely in German cut against Blackened riffs, huge sounding thunderous percussion and bright, rich melodic lead guitars. The atmospheric qualities they conjure are dark and foreboding, the ominous signs of storm clouds approaching to be heeded. Unlike more traditional Black Metal, there is plenty of polish here with “Schrei ohne Antwort” (or “Scream without Answer”) sonically reminding of Sonus Mortis as the aggressive riffs and haunting melodies descend the shades of night. There is mastery in the musicianship which is impeccable, each nuanced moment clearly carefully thought out and expertly executed with vicious intent. Even the shortest composition in this collection “Umgeben von Stimmen” (or “Surrounded by Voices“) is deadly. Restless and relentless blasting drives home the nails, a fleeting moment of programming at the heart a glimpse of what the future may hold before the torment begins again.

Despite being in German, it’s impossible not to get lost in the all consuming atmosphere of the record, one which is captivating throughout. A different picture cut from the same cloth, the monstrous “Verlorene Identität” (or “Lost Identity“) is as harsh and beautiful as nature can be on the rocky shorelines of northern territories. Moments of meandering melancholia rise up as the whirlwind of percussive battery subsides only for it to begin again with more power an purpose as the band collapse the mountain once more. Scandinavian roots are exposed further with the title track “Falsches Versprechen” (or “False Promises“), the harsh vocals a plague wind destroying everything in its path like acid rain. There are even opportunities for synths and orchestration within the cleverly constructed sonic abrasions that could be built upon in the future if mastermind Der Abt wishes to build on these solid foundations and expand the horizons in search of a new deadly formula. A well rounded collection of majestic, opulent and at times epic material, this will no doubt find the group inking a deal in blood with a major label [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Glas und Eise
2. Schrei ohne Antwort
3. Umgeben von Stimmen
4. Verlorene Identität
5. Falsches Versprechen.

“Falsche Versprechen” by Verbannt is out 8th November 2024 via Der Abt Records