Artist: Konfus
Country: Germany
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Demo Tape
Year: 2025
Besides a one-track demo that was digitally released about a year ago, ‘Rabenlieder’ is the first offering from this relatively new German one-man band called Konfus. That one song that was previously released was already announced as being the opening track of the forthcoming EP, it might have taken a year until it finally saw the light of day, but if you are into “real” Pagan-infused Black Metal, this is definitely a demo tape you’d have to check.
“Real Pagan Black Metal”, because there is a lot of Pagan Black Metal that is really more like Thyrfing-based Viking Metal than it really has anything to do with Black Metal. Konfus claims to offer something along the lines of Bilskirnir, Moonblood and Graveland. And, yes, that is exactly what ‘Rabenlieder’ sounds like. It combines riff-based Black Metal that resembles much of Moonblood’s iconic work, yet also adds some heroic Graveland-like epic and Bilskirnir’s folkishness. And frankly, it works just brilliantly.
This five-track demo, clocking well over 20 minutes, is a treat for everybody that still has an unquenchable thirst for old style Pagan Black Metal in the trademark German way. Basically, ‘Rabenlieder’ sounds like a long forgotten demo from some 25+ years ago that was recently unearthed. Even the mandatory raw production sounds just as authentic as any recording from these bygone days. What definitely helps matters is the German lyrics and the epic chanting that recalls the early Falkenbach recordings. Both add further fervor to the overall glorious and spirited atmosphere.
The grandiose and melodic sound goes very well with the rather raw overall feeling of the music, making ‘Rabenlieder’ a powerful and triumphant first offering from Konfus. Definitely interesting for those who are into the aforementioned bands or the likes of Diabolical Fullmoon and Azelsglare. I’m genuinely impressed!
