German metalcore veterans Heaven Shall Burn return with Heimat, their first full-length release since 2020’s Of Truth and Sacrifice, which topped the German album charts. Out June 27 via Century Media, the new album delves into the emotionally and politically loaded idea of “home” in both personal and collective terms—deliberately sidestepping the nationalist overtones the term has acquired in recent decades.
Guitarist Maik Weichert clarifies the band’s intent: “Heimat is not meant as the narrow-minded end point in the sense it has been used by agitators and populists, but the starting point for observations and perspectives.” For Heaven Shall Burn, home is less about borders and more about identity, community, and resistance. These themes are evident throughout the album, and particularly in the single “Empowerment,” which calls for a shift from reactionary anger to constructive action.
The accompanying video, shot by long-time collaborator Giacomo “xjoshx” Giorgi, captures scenes from their recent South American tour. It functions less as a polished promo and more as a glimpse into the band’s raw connection with their audience. “If you want to change something, start with yourself,” the band notes in a statement. “The old men in power don’t fear the backward-looking grumbling ones […] but the good and progressive ideas of people walking the streets together under bright sunshine.”
Watch below:
Musically, Heimat continues the group’s tradition of blending melodic death metal with hardcore, orchestral arrangements, and political commentary. The band again teamed up with producer Tue Madsen and composer Sven Helbig, this time adding the Sophia Chamber Choir of Ukraine and the Mondëna Quartet for added scale. The album artwork, created by Eliran Kantor, features a rearing stag flanked by a lynx and an owl—figures positioned as emblems of resistance rather than kitsch.
Photo Credit: Candy Welz
Share this :
