Review HEAVEN SHALL BURN “Heimat”

‘Heimat’ is the title of the new album from German metalcore forerunners Heaven Shall Burn. It is their next blistering release and the term ‘Heimat’ is loaded in Germany. It is often misused by right-wing parties and groups and put into questionable contexts. The fact that a band like Heaven Shall Burn has called their album ‘Heimat’ is of course no coincidence. As well as being provocative, the title also connects the band to their roots, which makes the term to something more positive and influenced their decision to name the album “Heimat”.

‘Heimat’ is built around three orchestral instrumentals, starting with ‘Ad Arma’, meaning ‘to arms’. This orchestral intro carries the weight of the world, while simultaneously echoing a peaceful shine with a sinister undertone. Halfway through, and marking the start of the B-side, comes ‘Imminence’. It is an interlude that picks up the mood of the intro and if you listen carefully, you can hear gunfire and moaning in the background. The album ends with ‘Inter Arma’, which means ‘in times of war’. ‘Inter Arma’ is the outro and brings the thirteen-song cycle reflecting on the current state of the world with all its wars and craziness to a close.

Between these cornerstones, you will find typical Heaven Shall Burn songs, although we can conclude that the metal elements received more attention than the ‘core’ parts. After the calmer tones of ‘Ad Arma’ have faded away, the dramatic ‘War is the Father of All’ begins. This song was written with the war in Ukraine in mind and refers to the Greek philosopher Heraklit. It is a massive song with orchestral parts, a choir, and brutal riff power. Combined with Marcus Bischoff’s raspy shouts, it is a great opener and one of the most sophisticated tracks from the German metal band.

The parallel with Gothenburg-based melodic death metal becomes particularly apparent when listening to songs like ‘Confounder’. Melodic guitars and emotional, impactful vocals are key assets of a song that fires on all cylinders.

‘Empowerment’ takes this approach a step further, and although Heaven Shall Burn add a few twists to their music, their signature sound is apparent throughout. Blastbeat attacks, such as those in “A Whisper from Above”, combined with a wall of riffs, have always been a part of Heaven Shall Burn, and the new album doesn’t shy away from these roots. Listen to the bracing ‘Those Left Behind’ with its roaring riffs and integrated shouts, which give the song an extra twist.

You can basically drop the needle wherever you want; there isn’t a bad song blasting out of the speakers. ‘Ten Days in May’ and ‘Dora’ are powerful, harsh metal songs that reveal their greatness the first time you listen to them, while still having enough detail to ensure long-term headbanging. The same goes for the cover version that the band recorded. Influenced by bands like Killswitch Engage, the German metal band covered “Numbered Days”, creating an atmospheric yet brutal interpretation featuring Jesse Leach. The tune fits perfectly into the context of the other songs.

We’re coming closer to the end when listening to “A Silent Guard”, a haunting piece of music and a tribute to the everyday hero like firemen, first aid and resucue workers and others. The track starts off melodically before shifting gears. It is another powerful statement on ‘Heimat’ before the aforementioned ‘Inter Arma’ brings the intense album to a close.

Heaven Shall Burn stick to their trademark sound while also evolving it. The orchestral elements, instrumentals and melodies are more prominent. At the same time, the five-piece maintains an infectious level of energy, which is best experienced in combination with the excellent sound and production.

‘Heimat’ is the highly anticipated next step for Heaven Shall Burn, who are consolidating their position in the metalcore genre. ‘Heimat’ is their richest and most accomplished album to date, and has the potential to become a classic in their already thrilling discography. Two thumbs up and a well-deserved nine points!