Heretoir – Nightsphere
Heretoir – Nightsphere
Northern Silence
Release Date: 06/10/23
Running Time: 42:21
Review by Oli Gonzalez
10/10
Post metal. In recent times, I’ve found myself being drawn to this more experimental and alternative sub-genre. I particularly admire the efforts bands go to when pushing the boundaries of metal and demonstrating what is compositionally possible with a little outside-the-box thinking. I’m excited by delving deeper and deeper into this new well of talent and getting a similar buzz to when I was younger and discovering heavy music for the very first time. That’s why I was so excited to check out German post-metal act, Heretoir and their latest release “Nightsphere”, and getting to relive that buzz from my younger years. However, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love! Honestly, this is everything I’ve been looking for in a band without even realising this is what I needed.
It’s incredible that the band have slipped under my radar. 2023 appears to have been a huge year for the band, having toured with the likes of Killswitch Engage, and their name appearing on festival posters across Europe. “Nightsphere” promises to be the band’s biggest release yet, and the first as a full band collaboration. I’d consider Heretoir to be a sleeping giant and one you should be keeping an eye on.
Compositionally, the songs appear to be simple upon the surface. The band excel in hitting you with simple riffs played with maximum emotion and elegantly crafted tones. Delve deeper however and there’s a subtle complexity. Especially the song structures which appear to defy all canonical rules of verse-chorus, verse-chorus. Each song feels as though we’re being taken on a journey, an expedition. I’m not quite sure where to, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride!
In both ‘Sanctum – Nightsphere Part I’ and ‘Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II’, we can hear evidence of folk/avant-garde elements, in particular with the string instruments. A much appreciated touch really, giving me shades of Aggaloch or Enslaved. Also, this speaks to the band’s acoustic origins too, so it’s great to see the band keep this in later compositions. Especially in a world where band’s can sometimes betray their roots. Both songs effortlessly navigate between calming ambient and post-rock passages, with straight up black metal ferocity and balls-to-the-wall intensity! The best of both worlds.
The band do instrumentals and do them well. ‘Pneuma’ is an ambient masterclass, taking on a more minimalist, atmospheric approach. I did wonder if it was a little out of place first. However, with a few minutes of calm respite, we can truly begin to appreciate the sheer intensity of the other parts of the album. ‘The Death Of Man’ couldn’t be a more appropriate title for this song. The song is simply mournful and drenched in sorrow. Just listening to it conjures up images of a post-apocalyptic wilderness, the aftermath of a great conflict, and the eerie calm of the earth laying silent.
The crown jewel for me has to be ‘Twilight Of The Machines’. This is simply a melodic masterclass, built around some outstanding guitar work with each passage soaring elegantly above the mix and piercing deep into your soul! There’s something fundamentally glorious about what takes place roughly 4 minutes into this song. We have such beauty from the lead guitars, yet it’s juxtaposed elegantly with the sheer ferocity and blatant aggression of the drums and David’s deranged screams. This is an unholy synergy of light and darkness rolled into one Heretoir shaped package. If you listen to only one song from the album, make it this one!
On the subject of vocals, the range on display is astounding. One minute, you can be gently ushered to a state of sleepy calm by some gorgeous lullaby-like cleans. The next, you’ll find yourself in awe at the sheer ferocity of the most demonic high range screams! Sometimes we hear both at the same time, which is an absolute treat. No matter what vocal line, you can be assured it’s bursting at the seams with emotion and human feeling. No single breath or word is wasted, and each is as important as the last.
Production wise, this is untouchable! I genuinely can’t think how or where they could improve. Everything is mixed perfectly and given adequate time to shine.
Only 5 songs? That’s good though. It’s left me wanting more, and prompting me to do a deep dive into the bands back catalogue. Mission complete for Heretoir!
What to categorise this album? Doom? Gothic? Prog? Melodic death? Sometimes bands like Heretoir will come along and shatter traditional classifications, and regardless of genre will make you think “this is just a great band”. Every now and then, there’ll be a band who come along and remind you how and why you fell in love with music. I got to relive that experience this evening and feel genuinely honoured to have discovered Heretoir. So thank you for giving me this opportunity and sharing your gift. For post metal fans or those looking for something a little different, let’s just keep this simple; add this album to your regular shuffle and playlists upon release day. You won’t regret it.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Sanctum – Nightsphere Part I
02. Twilight Of The Machines
03. Pneuma
04. Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II
05. The Death Of Man
LINE-UP:
David ‘Eklatanz’ Conrad – Vocals, Guitar
Maximilian Forst – Guitar
Kevin Storm – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Matthias ‘Nathanael’ Settele – Bass, Backing Vocals
Nils Groth – Drums, Backing Vocals
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
