Release Date May 8th, 2026
Format CD/LP/Tape/Digital
Genre Death/Black Metal,
Origin Netherlands
Heathen Peace originally emerged from the underground as a temporary outlet, a brief sonic strike to unleash some extreme metal fury. However, following the deployment of "Civilisation Ends Here..." in 2024, the project evolved into a permanent, iron-clad entity. The Dutch power trio chose to forge ahead into full-scale war, locking themselves into a trajectory of total sonic destruction. Leaving all hesitation behind, the three-piece unit cemented their status as a real band, ready to push their sonic assault into much more savage territories.
With their sophomore offering, "Total Fucking War," these Netherlands-based maniacs have unleashed a record that scores a well-deserved rating. The musical direction fuses death metal brutality with black metal ferocity, all anchored by heavy metal monumentality and a raw rock energy. It is a deadly cocktail that honors old-school extremity. The album strikes a great balance, sounding powerful and clear, ensuring that every savage riff and drum strike registers with maximum impact.
The songwriting throughout the seven proper tracks takes listeners on a furious journey across historical devastation, ancient deities, pagan resistance, and long-forgotten battles. Compared to their debut, the material has evolved into a much more extreme beast altogether. The tempo has accelerated with faster pounding beats, while the guitar work injects an intense blackened atmosphere into the foundation. Deep, barbaric growls dominate the vocal front, providing a savage counterpoint to the refined, melodic guitar solo patterns that soar above the underlying carnage.
A major highlight of this record comes in the form of guest appearances on the tracks "Apollyon" and "Heath Dweller." Henke Forss, the vocalist from the majestic Swedish black metal entity Dawn, lends his throat to the mix. His presence adds a layer of darkened fierceness, injecting a classic Scandinavian flavor into the Dutch trio's relentless assault. These vocal collaborations heighten the grim atmosphere, elevating those specific anthems into truly memorable displays of black metal majesty. The lyrical direction also strengthens the album’s identity.
Heathen Peace dives headfirst into ancient warfare, fallen empires and pagan resistance. Visually, the packaging matches the historical violence of the music, featuring the legendary Snartemo sword on the front cover. This artifact represents the ancient migration period and the barbarian invasions that caused the downfall of the Western Roman Empire. It is a fitting visual metaphor reminding listeners that even the mightiest empires eventually crumble into dust. Available in various formats including limited vinyl with a gatefold insert and poster, this release is a strong, effective strike of ancient metal terror.
| 9.0
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