Review: Heaven Shall Burn – Heimat

Heaven Shall Burn’s “Heimat” is a record that arrives with the weight of history and the urgency of the present. It’s the German metalcore institution’s tenth full-length, and it finds the band at a creative peak, balancing their signature blend of melodic death metal and metalcore with a renewed sense of purpose and a message that couldn’t be more timely due to the rise of fascism.

From the opening notes, “Heimat” asserts itself as an album of contrasts, as brutal yet melodic, personal yet political, heavy yet atmospheric. The title is a deliberate provocation, reclaiming a term too often co-opted by the far right and infusing it with a defiant, antifascist spirit. This isn’t just an album; it’s a statement, a call to arms against the rising tide of extremism in Germany and beyond. Songs like “War Is The Father Of All” and “Those Left Behind” are sprawling, cinematic epics, shifting between devastating breakdowns and soaring, anthemic choruses. The band’s ability to channel collective anxiety into something so cathartic is nothing short of remarkable, and the crisp, powerful, and dynamic production ensures that every riff, every scream, every melody hits with maximum impact.

What sets “Heimat” apart is its willingness to evolve. While longtime fans will recognize the relentless energy and message-driven songwriting that have defined Heaven Shall Burn’s career, the album also introduces more subtle dynamics. Atmospheric interludes, unexpected melodic shifts, and a judicious use of orchestration and synthesisers add depth and texture, demonstrating the band’s ongoing growth. The cover of Killswitch Engage’s “Numbered Days,” featuring Jesse Leach, is a standout, not just for its technical execution but for the way it bridges the gap between past and present, paying homage to a clear influence while making it unmistakably their own.

The album’s second half deepens its exploration of powerful atmospheres and thematic resonance. Songs like “A Silent Guard” and “A Whisper From Above” showcase the band’s willingness to experiment with slower tempos and haunting melodies, providing moments of reflection amid the relentless heaviness. It’s a testament to Heaven Shall Burn’s songwriting prowess that they can make such grand themes feel intimate, as if each track is a conversation between the band and the listener.

If there’s any criticism to be leveled at “Heimat”, it’s that its ambition occasionally threatens to overwhelm. At nearly 70 minutes, the album demands patience, and some listeners might find its pacing uneven. But this is a minor quibble in the face of such a monumental achievement. “Heimat” is the sound of a band at the peak of their powers, unafraid to take risks and expand their sonic palette.