Interviews: Verbannt

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Death Metal band Verbannt from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it just come out like that?

At its core, the band is a protest against racism and discrimination, especially towards immigrants like myself. Verbannt means "banished" or "exiled" in German, which felt like the perfect match to describe the concept behind the band. The word “Verbannt” also appears prominently in our lyrics.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This genre felt right. It fits the energy and anger expressed in the lyrics.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Verbannt is a one-man project, so it’s just me, Der Abt, behind everything.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Since I’m the only member, I’ll go with my favorite bands! That would be Iron Maiden, Queen, and Pink Floyd. They’re far from the death or black metal sound, but they helped me grow as a musician and songwriter.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Right now, it’s the injustice toward immigrants and the closed-mindedness of several governments, along with the crooked system that decides who can stay in a country and who cannot. More broadly, my main drive is raising awareness for anti-racism and equity through my music.

6. Where was your last gig?

Verbannt is a brand-new project, and our debut EP, Falsche Versprechen, is set for release on November 8th. This will mark Verbannt’s first release and establish our presence in the music scene. There are no plans for gigs at this point.

7. Where would you like to play?

Good question—plenty of places and festivals! If Verbannt ever goes on tour, I’d focus on Central Europe and the UK.

8. Who would you like to support?

Plenty of great acts! To narrow it down, I’d choose Septic Flesh, 1914, or Behemoth.

9. Who not?

Any band that stands against our beliefs as a band. That includes all racist, NSBM, or even remotely right-wing acts. We are anti-racist, and anti-border, and we stand for immigrants and fight for equality. There’s no room for racism and discrimination in music.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I’ve been performing as a guitarist or bassist with several acts for over 10 years now. I haven’t experienced stage fright, but I understand why one could feel that way. My only tip is to relax and enjoy it because it won’t last forever.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

My personal influences vary widely, from the fathers of metal like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Death, to rock legends such as Pink Floyd, Queen, and Muse. Verbannt’s influences are more genre-specific, drawing from acts like Behemoth, Belphegor, Hate, and 1914.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Fans don’t like me (laughs). No, seriously, as I’ve usually performed as a guitarist or bassist, I don’t have a lot of direct fan interaction. You know the joke about bassists, right? So no weird fan requests for me—ever!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Love and respect every single one of them!

14. What do you think of our site?

Awesome—what else?

15. Something to add?

Thank you for taking the time to interview me and for supporting Verbannt!