Berlin’s CIERŃ, a band comprising Devi, Laura Bailey, Eduardo Saravia, and Justin Deaktivere, conjures up a potent blend of peace, post-punk, dark, cold wave, and anarcho-punk. Their music infuses elements of philosophy, politics, and raw emotion. Describing themselves as “witchy,” CIERŃ draws inspiration from bands like Xmal Deutschland, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Skeletal Family. Their music features rapid-fire guitar riffs, piercing vocals, chilling minor chords, and haunting harmonies— a concoction that compels us to confront and exorcise anxieties about societal and environmental issues.
The band’s name, a Polish term for “thorn,” reflects their sharp and penetrating approach to music and activism. Symbolically, they adopt the rune Thurisaz, chosen by Devi, which represents the force of resistance—a fitting emblem for their confrontational and transformative style.
“It is a rune of protection against that which aggresses us,” explains Devi, pleading with listeners to place the same importance and value on all life, no matter where they are from. “We ask you to question everything… be conscious… think before you speak… think before you act… be aware of the impact you have in society and on everyone and everything around you… there is a ripple effect.”
The band have just released their fiery political collection of four songs: Flawless.
The album kicks off with Double Beat, a track that dives into the throes of anxiety with evocative imagery of time crawling to a halt and the heart skipping beats. The song navigates through emotions of despair and intense pressure, tied together with the primal “fight or flight” instinct. Its references to tarot cards weave in a theme of metamorphosis and the essential act of letting go to find peace.
Following this, Puppets takes the stage, exploring the theme of control and dominance exerted by modern media and technology. This track paints a bleak picture of an individual ensnared by external forces, transforming them into a mere puppet. The relentless bombardment of digital noise traps the listener in a cycle of obedience and turmoil, highlighting the struggle to reclaim autonomy over one’s thoughts and actions.
The standout track Disposable evokes the dystopian vibes of films like Blade Runner and They Live, delivering a sharp critique of the shallow and damaging habits of contemporary consumer culture. With a backdrop of chattering media pundits, the song delves into the concept of “synthetic love”—products crafted for quick allure but destined for the trash heap. It touches on rampant consumerism, ecological harm, labor abuses, and the mindless duplication of items, advocating for a shift towards more deliberate and sustainable consumption habits.
The album wraps up with the title track Flawless, a poignant commentary on the relentless beauty standards imposed from an early age. This track traces the transformation from a spirited child to a self-conscious teenager, manipulated by glossy magazine ideals and societal pressures. It champions self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to cherish their flaws and resist the psychological toll of self-imposed perfection.
Listen to the album below and order here:
In 2022, CIERŃ began writing new songs and began the process of recording them in October 2023 at Andere Baustelle Tonstudio, the home of Einstürzende Neubauten, in Berlin, Germany. Boris Wilsdorf assisted in recording and mixing the four songs. Afterward, Maurizio Baggio provided final mastering at La Distilleria in Vicenza, Italy.
CIERŃ’s first album, “The Emperor Rx” (2022), focused on a macro perspective of the world’s state, while their second album, “Flawless,” shifts to a micro perspective of how humans relate and exist in the world and their own reality. “Flawless” explores self-perspective, self-recovery, and self-acceptance, as well as the effects of large industries on climate change and the human race.
Catch CIERŃ live here is a list of venues throughout Germany and Poland this summer is here. Juan Gauz is currently performing with the band live as their bassist, and Laura Bailey (Neu Romancer) is on tour with Zanias as part of her live band.
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