Phew... what a life’s work by EUGEN B..
Behind EUGEN B. is none other than Eugen Balanskat, the head and singer of the punk band Die Skeptiker.
EUGEN B. published his poetry collection “Innenfrost” in 2019. The songs on this truly epic work, which will be released on two vinyl records or a CD on 01.09.2023, are derived from this collection.
DIE SKEPTIKER have now become, one can... no, must say, an institution. There are not many punk bands that existed during the GDR era and are still relevant today. This relevance also comes from the lyrics, which Eugen has not only written but especially set to music. The very special voice embodies volume, power, and clarity. The unique singing style, which repeatedly reminds me of the songs of old acoustic groups like the Comedian Harmonists, is unparalleled. Much stands and falls with the voice. If you don’t like the voice, it’s hard to really like a band. This is true for Die Skeptiker and it will, of course, be the same here on the solo release.
The 21 songs are divided into a “Rock Album” and a “Symphonic Album.” I will focus on the vinyl release and first tackle the “Symphonic Album.”
As the name suggests, there is stylistically a potpourri of symphonic metal, dark rock, medieval sound, and bombastic/orchestral rock. This is already something quite different from what I know of Die Skeptiker. That’s how it should be, says the information about this release, and so it is.
The lyrics based on the poetry collection “Innenfrost” are somewhat special in their word choice and structure. It is a rather classical, very vivid language that could be taken from a poetry collection or an old fairy tale book. This is powerfully enhanced by the compositions. The songs come out of the speakers very forcefully, with a lot of character.
However, EUGEN B. does not only rely on his voice and the compositions. He has also invited some guests to the studio, such as Jerome Reuter (Rome), Vaile Fuchs, or Tiger Lilly Marleen (Bonsai Kitten). The guests all bring their own voices, which get ample space, adding even more character to the songs.
For me, the “Symphonic Album” is still somewhat cumbersome and demanding in terms of listening pleasure, even after several listens. There is no doubt about the craftsmanship and quality here, but having a fondness for this kind of music doesn’t hurt either.
After ten truly great songs, the “Symphonic Album” comes to an end.
Next up is the “Rock Album.”
I take a breath. Finally, a straightforward melody moving forward. This is a real punk rock song. It feels good after 40 minutes of artistic expression in the realm of bombast. Now the sound that I like reigns. And the first song of the “Rock Album” is also humorous. Ah, “Kontakt” is a great song. Written with humor, sung with a lively tongue, and played cleanly forward.
Then there’s a song about the dark Corona period and the lack of insight, almost a real song by Die Skeptiker. I’m almost thrilled.
The further musical elaborations of the “Rock Album” are already closer to Die Skeptiker than EUGEN B. might want. The songs are not Die Skeptiker songs, he says, and that is generally true, especially with the “Symphonic Album.” With the “Rock Album,” the distance is manageable, both due to the themes being sung about and the music.
That’s not a bad thing, quite the opposite.
Die Skeptiker are a big part of EUGEN B.’s life. With this band, he has celebrated successes and with this band, he will be associated. No wonder for a band that was founded in 1986 and has existed with interruptions until today.
The “Rock Album” and the “Symphonic Album” are very similar in terms of lyrics. This is a different lyrical elaboration than with his band. This naturally creates a separation from the songs of Die Skeptiker. Of course, this comparison might also be annoying for the over 60-year-old Berliner, who has put in a lot of effort here, but it is also natural, as one’s own life consists of experiences that cannot simply be shaken off like an old leather jacket.
Rightly so, this release is something special.
Phew... what a life’s work
