Heretoir
Nightsphere
(Release date CD / LP / MC / digital: October 6th, 2023)
The band states:
„In a world in which the conflict between industrialized mankind and untouched nature is producing increasingly noticeable consequences, we wanted to process the theme in a piece of music. Inspired by the civilization-critical writings of John Zerzan and Stanley Diamond, we created a song that addresses the clash between the world of machines and the wilderness in a melancholic but also powerful way. The music video illustrates this confrontation in an impressive and stirring way, as the protagonist tries to escape his dreary working world and also to find refuge in the spirits of the woods.”
Combining the emotional and atmospheric elements of Black Metal with progressive rhythm-laden modern Metal structures and the beauty of Post Rock and Shoegaze, HERETOIR is a nostalgic, melancholic and soothing soundtrack in a mad world. Founded (in Augsburg/Germany) by David C. in 2006, Heretoir conceptually and lyrically deals with existence, self-reflection, fears and dreams – life in all its facets.
It is a musical universe set for the discovery of one’s deepest thoughts and the soul that rests in each of us.
After a first demo and EP (“Existenz” (2008) & “.Existenz.” (2009)), multiple compilation contributions and a split release with the band “Thränenkind” (“Wiedersehen – unsere Hoffnung”, 2010) Heretoir released their eponymous debut album “Heretoir” on February 25th, 2011 through Northern Silence Productions.
Melodizing the topic of loss, “Heretoir” was very well received by fans and press around the world, not least because of the powerful and atmospheric cover artwork of exceptional French artists Fursy Teyssier (Les Discrets) and Metastazis (artworks for Alcest, Anathema, Enthroned, As I lay dying, Gorgoroth and many more).
With the release of the debut album Matthias S. (bass), Max F. (guitar) and Emanuel D. (drums) joined the line-up and Heretoir evolved into a full band. It didn’t take long for the band to share stages with acts like Agalloch, Alcest, Eluveitie, Graveworm, Sólstafir or Secrets of the Moon.
In parallel with the progression of the live shows, the EP re-recording/compilation “Substanz” was released on August 24th, 2012. After several European tours with Agrypnie, Der Weg einer Freiheit and Dornenreich and one tour through England with Dawn Ray’d, as well as performances at the Summerbreeze Open Air, the Ragnarök Festival, and support shows for renowned post-rockers God is an Astronaut and melancholic masters Katatonia, Heretoir was able to build up a reputation in the atmospheric metal scene.
In 2016 Emanuel D. left the band and Nils G. became the new drummer.
The current line-up was completed by Kevin Storm, who joined the band in 2020.
Following more than 5 years of intense touring, the much-anticipated second album “The Circle” was released in March 2017. “The Circle” deals with the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Weaving crushing heaviness and atmospheric melodies, the album portrays an emotional journey – a life dedicated to self reflection and freedom.
Besides another very special cover art by Fursy Teyssier the album furthermore features guest vocals by Alcest mastermind Stéphane “Neige” Paut and mastering by the renowned sound engineer Lasse Lammert.
“The Circle” received incredible worldwide feedback by press and fans alike.
Heretoir embarked on an extensive European tour in Spring 2017 together with the US Black Metal band Ghost Bath, visiting more than 15 countries in 5 weeks.
More festival appearances and a tour with Finnish Melodic Death Metal masters Kalmah followed and in 2018 the band toured China for two weeks.
During the last years/pandemic the band worked hard and focussed on writing new material. 2023 marks an important year for Heretoir:
On 10th February 2023 the remastered version of the debut album “Heretoir“ with bonus tracks was released. Only 3 months later the band released their new mini-album “Wastelands” on 19th May 2023 – their first new material in 6 years – with great worldwide reception.
But Heretoir is not done with releases for this year:
Only 5 months after their 2023 mini-album “Wastelands”, Heretoir will release their new intense full-length “Nightsphere”!
The new record is a concept album dealing with the struggle between the forces of nature and a world of machines.
Humanity is in the midst of this confrontation, and the dichotomy between living as an animal among animals and existing as a cog in the wheel of progress determines the course of the story the five songs tell.
“Nightsphere” is a dark album that weaves atmospheric black metal parts with melodic clean passages, swirling blast beats with calm post rock and ambient sounds, and the intensity of desperate screams with the poignant emotionality of melancholic clean vocals into a musical journey through an archaic world.
The band says about “Nightsphere”:
“This album is very special to us as this is our first album that was entirely written as a full band, featuring contributions of every single member of the band. The songs are dedicated to the spirits of the wilderness. ‘Nightsphere’ is an atmospheric maelstrom that will engulf you.”
The album features ambient sounds of the long-time befriended project “Hidehidehide” as well as guest-appearances of two giants of the (post) black metal genre – Tim Yatras of “Austere” who fuels the song “Twilight of the Machines” with his anguish and Nikita Kamprad of “Der Weg einer Freiheit” who delivers intense and powerful vocals on “Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II”.
“Nightsphere” natural and organic but powerful sound was crafted by David Deutsch and Justin Felder at 1408 Productions in Hannover, who were responsible for the mix of the record. Furthermore Nikita Kamprad of “Der Weg einer Freiheit” took care of the mastering of the album.
Prepare to dive into a highly atmospheric night-realm and emotional maelstrom with “Nightsphere”.
All while new songs for a future release are already written and recorded.
Heretoir are more determined than ever to enter the stages of the world with full force!
Tracklist:
- Sanctum – Nightsphere Part I 10:45
- Twilight of the Machines 08:34
- Pneuma 06:57
- Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II 11:57
- The Death of Man 04:07
Album line-up:
David „Eklatanz“ Conrad – Vocals, Guitar
Maximilian Forst – Guitar
Nils Groth – Drums, Backing Vocals
Matthias „Nathanael“ Settele – Bass, Backing Vocals
Kevin Storm – Guitar, Backing Vocals (Track 1)
Hidehidehide – Additional composition on Tracks 3 + 5
Tim Yatras (Austere) – guest vocals on Track 2
Nikita Kamprad (Der Weg einer Freiheit) – guest vocals on Track 4
Album credits:
Heretoir is David, Kevin, Matthias, Max & Nils.
All songs and lyrics written by Heretoir except for „Pneuma“ and „The Death of Man“ written by Heretoir & Hannes Stoltenburg aka „Hidehidehide“.
Additional guest vocals by Tim Yatras & Nikita Kamprad.
Recorded by Heretoir, mixed by David Deutsch and Justin Felder at 1408 Productions and mastered by Nikita Kamprad in 2022.
Cover art by Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach.
The songs are dedicated to the spirits of the wilderness.
Discography (from current to old):
Nightsphere – Full-Length, Northern Silence Productions, 2023
Wastelands – Mini-Album, AOP Records, 2023
Heretoir – Remaster w/ bonus, AOP Records, 2023
The Circle – Full-Length, Northern Silence Productions, 2017
Substanz – Compilation w/ bonus, Northern Silence Productions, 2012
Heretoir – Full-Length, Northern Silence Productions, 2011
Wiedersehen – Unsere Hoffnung, Split EP w/ Thränenkind, Pest Productions, 2010
.Existenz. – EP, Pest Productions, 2009
Existenz – Demo, self releases, 2008
Heretoir – Twilight of the Machines
Heretoir – Nightsphere Official Album Teaser
Heretoir – The Same Hell demo
Heretoir links:
Band/Artist location – Augsburg Germany
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