Metalcore has never sounded so good – review of “Heimat” by Heaven Shall Burn

The band that initiated me to metalcore is without a doubt Heaven Shall Burn. After having the pleasure of seeing them live three times (last time was at 2024’s edition of Summer Breeze festival where they headlined), I simply cannot put into words how excited I am that they are finally releasing some new music. And so, it’s almost time for everyone to listen to “Heimat”, out on June 27th. For now, you’ll have to take my word for it…

Heaven Shall Burn have a hallmark sound, so more often than not it’s quite easy to say “this is a song by them”; they have kept it into this album too, but have also improved on it. The fantastic opening suite “War Is The Father Of All” sets the album on the right track, showing why these German gentleman are one of (if not the) strongest acts of the current era. Incorporating symphonic elements is a big yes from me!

The mixing and mastering done by Tue Madsen are consistent with the previous works of the band, even though I have to admit that I would really love if Eric Bischoff’s bass had a little more space in the mix. Nevertheless, the listening experience is massive yet smooth, so you will most definitely enjoy it. While he’s currently still off duty recovering, Marcus Bischoff’s vocals are as mighty as ever, commanding each and every track like he only knows how.

While their distinctive sound is part of their appeal, tracks like ‘A Whisper From Above‘ lean heavily into familiar territory that longtime fans will recognize from their previous works. In anyway, it’s pure, raw and essential metalcore. These tracks will surely generate mosh and circle pits during their live shows! Fabulous the featuring with Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage titled “Numbered Days“. The contrast between the two voices is simply divine.

As “Heimat” means home and native land, but within this album it means so much more than that. Full of different point of views and statements, the record is a manifesto that includes more than a simple meaning. So don’t miss another fantastic release by Heaven Shall Burn. “Heimat” must be enjoyed at full volume, while multiple listens will make you enjoy the deeper levels of the music.

Tracklist:

1. Ad Arma
2. War Is The Father Of All
3. My Revocation Of Compliance
4. Confounder
5. Empowerment
6. A Whisper From Above
7. Imminence
8. Those Left Behind
9. Ten Days In May
10. Numbered Days (feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage)
11. Dora
12. A Silent Guard
13. Inter Arma