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“From the ashes we emerged to suffer towards our Eschatology for the rest of our mortal existence.”

Nowadays the Middle Ages are depicted either pitch-black or brilliant white – speaking frequently of romantic chivalry or one of the darkest chapters of our collective history. We are rarely told that there is so much more than the usual black-and-white illustration to this era that lasted for a thousand years.

This is where the South German duo BANN entered the stage at the end of the year 2004.

Displeased with the innumerable misty-eyed, totally unconsidered depictions of mediaeval times, singer and lyricist Hoffarth became driven to enlighten the world with a more colourful and most of all more authentic picture of that era. In his longtime friend Thurn he found his comrade-in-arms, through whose compositions the musical background is illuminated. Since then they have walked this path shoulder to shoulder.

“Thus thou wanderest and speakest with enthusiasm and sacrificially of that time that was and the people dwelling within”

Together BANN concentrated on bestowing the vital spark to their beloved child and elicit its first tones; beside compositional arrangements they focussed on the absorption of the historical material. The first low-budget compositions “Aber aus der Asche wird ein Schwan entstehen” und “Allerwachen“ triggered an avalanche of delight and great interest in internet fora and on diverse websites leading to the duo’s decision to officially release their selfmade Demo-EP „Antiochia“, including these two tracks and the homonymous title song.

BANN labelled this sinister disturbing piece of art as “Black Ambient Metal”. Limited to 50 copies the release was out of stock in no time. But, as destiny would have it, the small British label Grief Foundation appeared upon the duo’s threshold. They were interested in a Rerelease of the EP and the production of a complete album. Headstone for “ÆSCHATOLOGIA“, the first extensive work of BANN, was laid.

“And when darkness reigns and hope is scarce thou shall not lose faith but follow the path that thou hast chosen.”

Henceforth Hoffarth and Thurn school their progeny in the ways of the world, feed it and watch it blossom into their first album. By the time they had a rough plan, BANN hit the studio to write the incarnation of ÆSCHATOLOGIA off their chest. During the vast period of six months BANN explored the deepest and most isolated corners of their emotional world, working against greatest odds in the process of recording, stirring up their blood. It seemed as if the powers that be drove the duo into total feebleness and pure despair. This theme persists through the music of BANN as they deal on ÆSCHATOLOGIA with the finiteness of all being – the eschatology of things – musically as well as lyrically.

“And the ashes spoke: Come here my child, and do not fear. I have been waiting for you”

ÆSCHATOLOGIA marks the debut of BANN – a debut that has a disturbing as well as enchanting impact on the demanding listener. It is an album that leads the listener through the depths of sorrow to reveal a radiant splendour. A work of profound honesty and authenticity which will leave you scarred.

BANN have not written ÆSCHATOLOGIA off their chest, they tore it from the depths of their soul.

Marcel Rudoletzky (Metal Hammer, Blast!)