The latest no-nonsense anthem from XTR Human, Abgrund, hits like a brass-knuckled punch to the gut. The single and video – nay, battle cry – dropped today through Wie ein Gott Records. Set against the backdrop of shifting political tides, it pulls no punches, hitting hard with aggressive EBM beats that stomp like jackboots on fragile ground.
Abgrund rises in response to the bleak days of the European elections, when right-wing movements in the EU and Germany slithered out of the shadows. It’s a soundtrack of frustration, fear, and fury, driven by cold, relentless rhythms. The song barrels forward, a grim reminder that fascism is once again rearing its ugly head. Its raw intensity reflects the speechless disbelief of watching history repeat itself, and the simmering anger that fuels resistance. In these heavy times, Abgrund is the warning shot—a call to arms to stand firm and fight back against creeping darkness.
Johannes Stabel delivers a commanding performance in his native German, his vocals sharp and direct, cutting through the noise like a siren. His forceful bass lines and relentless EBM pulse blend the chill of coldwave with a biting modern edge.
Abgrund’s message is simple but stirring—reclaim your power, pursue your purpose, and push against the boundaries society imposes. The track delivers a blunt critique of nationalism, right-wing rhetoric, and the seductive danger of unchecked speech. It shows how complacency and the abandonment of critical thought lead to disaster. With aggressive beats and uncompromising lyrics, Abgrund underscores the peril of indulging divisive slogans. The relentless repetition of “abyss” hammers home the grim future when extremism goes unchallenged.
XTR Human sounds the alarm on the dangers of closing borders and stockpiling national pride. These actions do not make a country strong; they rot it from within. The black-and-white, surrealist video, directed by Johannes Stabel, presents a stark and unsettling image of our times. Animal masks, torches, and billy clubs create a landscape of violence and fear, amplifying the sense of urgency embedded in the song. The video’s imagery strikes at the heart of the issue: a society that allows itself to be divided falls into decay. The torches and clubs are symbols of a dangerous return to base instincts, where unity and progress are sacrificed for hollow slogans. In this world, nationalism is not strength; it is a dead end.
Watch the video for Abrund below:
XTR HUMAN has carved a niche in the pulsating heart of Berlin’s underground music scene. Over the past decade, in venues ranging from bat-infested cellars to booming warehouse parties, Johannes Stabel has been skillfully cherry-picking the most infectious elements from genres the city is celebrated for, including coldwave, EBM, and post-punk.
Listen to Abgrund below and order here.
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