Heaven Shall Burn | Heimat | Century Media Records

 

    Heaven Shall Burn was formed in 1996 in Saalfeld, Thuringia, Germany. Known for blending melodic death metal and metalcore with politically and socially charged themes, the band has remained a prominent figure in European extreme metal for over two decades. The lineup has remained relatively stable, consisting of vocalist Marcus Bischoff, guitarists Maik Weichert and Alexander Dietz, bassist Eric Bischoff, and drummer Christian Bass. Their discography includes multiple charting albums such as "Antigone," "Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)", and "Of Truth And Sacrifice", the latter of which reached number one on the German album charts in 2020. With a consistent lyrical focus on anti-fascism, anti-racism, and humanitarianism, Heaven Shall Burn has cultivated a reputation for merging musical intensity with a firm ethical stance. "Heimat" marks their return in 2025, five years after their previous full-length release.

"Heimat" delivers 13 tracks that feel resolute in both structure and intention. The band continues its blend of melodic death metal and metalcore, anchored by tight rhythmic shifts, layered guitar arrangements, and mid-to-high tempo pacing. The tone of the album leans toward the austere and atmospheric, with frequent contrasts between aggressive segments and subdued passages.

Vocals remain raw and steady across the album, avoiding dramatic changes in delivery but preserving a consistent presence. Guitars are densely layered, often combining tremolo lines with heavier down-tuned riffs, alternating between mid-paced chugging and bursts of double-time energy. Drums are mechanically sharp and rhythmically relentless, with blast beats, steady double-kick patterns, and abrupt tempo shifts creating much of the dynamic force behind the songs. Bass follows suit, rarely diverging from the path but providing the necessary structural depth.

The production emphasizes heaviness without sacrificing cohesion. Tue Madsen’s mix retains a dry, forceful tone, allowing the arrangements to hold weight without becoming overly compressed. The inclusion of orchestral and ambient flourishes appears sparingly, providing brief moments of contrast rather than dominating the sound.

Lyrically, "Heimat" adheres to Heaven Shall Burn’s usual thematic direction—charged, uncompromising, and rooted in broader reflections on conflict, resilience, memory, and social division. The title concept is used as a thematic frame, but not in a narrow sense; rather, it supports the band's broader social commentary.

The band’s decision to include a cover of Killswitch Engage’s "Numbered Days" (featuring Jesse Leach of them) provides a brief intersection of influences, with the original spirit largely preserved, yet adapted to Heaven Shall Burn’s own tone and rhythmic emphasis. The collaborative energy is intact without overextending into novelty.

"Heimat" doesn’t shift dramatically from previous material in approach, but it doesn’t stagnate either. It sits within the band’s established range, offering new material that sounds urgent and considered. The structure of the album is deliberate and, at times, weighty, but without dragging or repeating unnecessarily.

Score: 8.0