In the underbelly of music, where genres collide and conventions are defied, HERETOIR emerges as a purveyor of the untamed.
This ensemble has crafted an alchemical fusion of Black Metal’s visceral emotion, progressive modern Metal’s rhythmic complexity, and the haunting beauty of Post Rock and Shoegaze.
Born in the dark corners of Augsburg, Germany in 2006, David C. breathed life into HERETOIR, a sonic tapestry weaving tales of existence, self-reflection, fear, and dreams – a gritty exploration of life in all its raw and unfiltered facets.
The band’s genesis included an initial demo and EP (“Existenz” in 2008 & “.Existenz.” in 2009), followed by a split release with the brooding Thränenkind in 2010. In February 2011, Northern Silence Productions unleashed HERETOIR’s eponymous debut album, a haunting exploration of loss that resonated with fans and critics alike. The somber subject matter was amplified by the chilling artwork of French visionaries Fursy Teyssier (Les Discrets) and Metastazis.
The line-up expanded, enlisting Matthias S. (bass), Max F. (guitar), and Emanuel D. (drums) into their ranks. Sharing the stage with the likes of Agalloch, Alcest, Eluveitie, Graveworm, Sólstafir, and Secrets of the Moon, HERETOIR carved out a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the atmospheric metal scene. Amidst this growth, the re-recording/compilation EP “Substanz” was released in August 2012.
Post-European tours with the likes of Agrypnie, Der Weg einer Freiheit, and Dornenreich, and a UK invasion alongside Dawn Ray’d, HERETOIR continued to shatter boundaries. As the band performed at illustrious events such as Summerbreeze Open Air and Ragnarök, the line-up evolved with Nils G. taking over drum duties from Emanuel D. in 2016, and the addition of Kevin Storm in 2020.
After years of relentless touring, March 2017 saw the release of the highly anticipated second album “The Circle”, delving into the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The album featured guest vocals from Alcest’s Stéphane “Neige” Paut and was mastered by the renowned sound engineer Lasse Lammert.
HERETOIR then embarked on a massive European tour with US Black Metal renegades Ghost Bath, followed by festival appearances and a tour with Finnish melodic metallers Kalmah. In 2018, they ventured to China for a two-week aural assault.
As the world succumbed to a pandemic, HERETOIR forged new material in the shadows. In November 2022, they signed a record deal with the esteemed German label AOP Records.
Heretoir WastelandsAOP RecordsRelease: 19 May 2023
On February 10th, 2023, AOP Records unleashed the remastered version of HERETOIR’s debut album, complete with bonus tracks. Now, the world waits with bated breath for the release of the new mini-album, “Wastelands,” set to erupt on May 19th, 2023.