Based in Karlsruhe, Germany, Born Hanged have spent nearly a decade developing a sound that draws from hardcore, death metal, powerviolence, and grindcore, never settling into a single category. That sense of controlled chaos runs through the band's latest material, arriving as Born Hanged find new momentum after a lineup change and a run of high-profile shows.
The band's roots go back to 2017, when members of two different groups became a band. "Before Born Hanged, we worked with different bands that played a few shows together back in early 2017," guitarist Steffan tells No Echo. "We got along so well that we started hanging out regularly outside of music and built a strong friendship that has lasted to this day, despite the 300 kilometers between us."
When both bands eventually dissolved, the future members of Born Hanged chose to start over rather than step away from music. "The guys from Karlsruhe then started a new project and were looking for a bassist. That's where I came in and joined Born Hanged," Steffan says. "We wanted to close the chapter on our previous bands and create something new, angry, and uncompromising—something our former bands had never managed to achieve."
After the pandemic, the band slowed down and went through a lineup change that, according to Steffan, ultimately benefited everyone. "Last year, Timo joined the band as our bassist, and I switched to guitar. Since then, the energy in the band has been stronger than ever."
Earlier this month, Born Hanged released a menacing 3-track single called Left to Rot:
Defining Born Hanged's sound is not straightforward. "We're a hardcore band—and a very angry one at that," Steffan says. "But I don't like putting a specific genre label on what we do." The guitarist continues: "You won't get the feeling that you already know what's coming next, quite the opposite. We want our songs to surprise you, overwhelm you, and hit you when you least expect it."
There is one influence Steffan points to without hesitation. "There's one thing we definitely can't deny: we love Nails." That spirit runs through Left to Rot, which the band crafted mostly in-house. Guitarist Jérôme, described by Steffan as the band's mastermind, handled production at his studio, The Cult Productions. "Our goal was really just to follow up quickly on our last release in November 2025 with new music that, ideally, is a whole lot heavier than the previous record," Steffan says.
There is no single lyrical theme tying the material together. The songs move between individual sentiment and explicit statements, with the music pulling from the band's full range of influences. "Musically, we once again tried to incorporate all of our musical influences—be it death metal, hardcore, powerviolence, or grindcore."
Even after months spent writing and recording, Steffan says the songs still surprise him. "Dave's vocals sound absolutely furious, and Simon keeps surprising me with all these unorthodox drum fills that come out of nowhere," he says. "Even though we're the ones writing the music, there are still moments where I just think, 'What the hell just happened?' That's what makes it exciting."
Germany's hardcore scene, like many others, has seen its ups and downs in recent years. Steffan sees things moving in the right direction again. "The local scene may have slowed down a bit over the past few years, but things are definitely starting to pick up again," he says. "Young people are hungry for heavy music and need an outlet in a world like this."
Steffan is especially encouraged by the number of younger bands emerging across Germany. "The Rhine area, the Ruhr region, and Hanover are all thriving at the moment and producing some amazing bands." Among the groups he recommends are Once and for All, 7 Swords, Eternal Enemy, Crawl for Cover, and Throw Hands.
For Born Hanged, the immediate future brings a lighter summer schedule before their appearance at Summer Breeze Festival in Dinkelsbühl this August. The band is already thinking ahead. "Jerome's brain is already working overtime again," Steffan says. "We've got a few riffs ready to go, and new ideas keep coming in."
As far as future music, Steffan is already looking forward. "If things keep moving the way they are, there's a good chance you can expect a full-length record from us early next year."
Before we our conversation ends, No Echo asks Steffan for his closing thought: "Always remember to do you. Call out bullshit, support others, don't let the world drag you down, and keep on with whatever you are up to."
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Born Hanged on social media: Instagram
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