German metal-punk band Ranzer has released their latest demo, "Demophobie", a five-track masterpiece that captures the raw energy of their live performances. The demo was recorded in just four hours in Kassel, which reflects the band's old-school approach to music-making.
You can listen "Demophobie" here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mL9gItReEBmJX5uLlvKi9pNBqjOCOfD40
Dürch, the guitarist of the band, shared the creative process behind the new release and what influenced the sound and direction of it: "When we gathered forces in the summer of 2021, all of us had different experiences rehearsing, recording and playing with various Punk & Metal bands. When we met for the first rehearsals to check if it worked, it instantly felt like an emotional 'ALL IN' - working, rehearsing, and drinking with friends, with no expectations but just having a great time together."
Dürch added that their direction developed from song to song, and after a very short period, they had fixed their main components. "Fast-driven old school Thrash & Heavy Metal, epic melodies, traditional D-beats, and a deep brutal voice," he said. "The work on 'Demophobie' is the most honest I have ever done. It is not about presenting technical skills; it is about creating an individual demon. We recorded just five tracks for our first sign of life, although there were more songs left."
When asked about the themes on this release that hold a special meaning to the band, Dürch responded, "We look around and see a brutal society with selfish tyrants everywhere. We react with disgusting, disappointed and frustrated lyrics. We write about being imprisoned and refugees, as well as fighting against racism, fascism, and homophobia."
Regarding how the new release fits into the band's overall discography and evolution as artists, Dürch stated, "Before 'Demophobie', we sold out our 1-track rehearsal room CD 'Zahnfee' with the first 100 T-shirts. 'Demophobie' is our first real demo EP, recorded live (although this is a risk) – it took me back to the 80s when I listened to my first demo tapes from Overkill to Venom. They all had that special honest feeling, although they weren't perfect."
Dürch added, "Personally, I've progressed as a songwriter, gaining technical skills from playing Death and Black Metal decades before joining Ranzer, but now concentrating on melodic but epic hooklines, and the essence of a catchy, brutal guitar riff - that's what makes us really happy. It's a process to recognize the skills and roots of your band members, to push them with fresh ideas and write unconventional stuff with a mature understanding for a good Metal Punk Crust song."
Finally, when asked how they hope their fans will connect with this release, Dürch said, "As a band that works hard and rehearses every week, you'll never give up the dream of playing more gigs, tours, and meeting cool new people. It's a pleasure to get feedback on social or print media and to know that the crowd of listeners around the globe is growing day by day. But even if there were no single listener, at the end of the day, it's all about having a good time together. Ranzer is more than just a band; it's a feeling and a family. We're prepared for all further steps & gigs, recording the next releases, finding cool cooperations, and still being part of the Punk & Metal scene circus. Get connected, spread our music, visit us! FIGHT FASCISM!"
With "Demophobie", Ranzer has created a raw and unapologetic demo that will appeal to fans of crust punk, thrash metal, and heavy metal. The band's anti-racist, anti-fascist, and anti-homophobic stance make "Demophobie" not just a musical release, but a statement against the world's brutal and selfish society. With their old-school approach to music-making and passion for creating honest and individual demons, Ranzer is a band to keep an eye on. Dürch's comments on their creative process and the themes in their music offer an insight into the band's approach and the emotion they pour into their music.