After releasing a first single, “My Revocation of Compliance”, in early April HEAVEN SHALL “Empowerment” is HEAVEN SHALL BURN‘s new anthem about (self-) empowerment and solidarity, inspiring us to build a better future for the next generation. The matching video takes us on the road with the band on their last South American tour and was captured by their long-time photographer Giacomo „xjoshx“ Giorgi. Share some personal and unforgettable moments with the band and their fans under the following link: https://youtu.be/XsK9hE7NY4I?feature=shared
The band comments: “With this song we want to make it clear that anger and aggression in the face of the many present problems, even if they are completely justified, should not lead to pointless discussions, self-destructive frustration and fights on irrelevant second arenas. It is much more important to gather your strength and transform your energy into a positive and progressive drive that can motivate others to join in and make a difference! If you want to change something, start with yourself! The old men in power don’t fear the backward-looking grumbling ones at the dimly lit regulars’ reserved table, but the good and progressive ideas of people walking the streets together under bright sunshine in the spring.”
“Heimat” = German for “home / homeland / native land” – a term that merely refers to a relationship between people and spaces but has nevertheless always been highly emotionally charged. Often misused, it sometimes causes discomfort, lively discussions and battles over interpretation. Maik Weichert (guitar) comments: “‘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. The album is about a much wider sense of the term ’Heimat‘: the homelands for many different people and also about the spiritual home, something that shapes and determines our thoughts and actions.”
HEAVEN SHALL BURN took their time with the follow-up to “Of Truth And Sacrifice”, which reached number 1 in the Official German Album Charts in 2020. “Heimat” was produced at the band’s own studio, The Dude Ranch, which is run by guitarist Alexander Dietz. Like in the past, Danish producer Tue Madsen took care of the mixing and mastering.
The Thuringians enlisted the renowned artist Eliran Kantor for the artwork, who previously crafted the artwork for “Of Truth And Sacrifice”. The centrepiece of the impressive triptych is a rearing stag – in its roaring variant a classic motif of wildlife painting, the epitome of kitsch and trivial art from the 19th and 20th centuries and interpreted by some as a symbol of patriarchy and capitalist competition, but here placed as a vital allegory of resistance amid an apocalyptic scene. He is flanked by a hunting lynx and a watchful owl, which complete the highly symbolic artwork concept as further elements of the triptych. As with “Of Truth And Sacrifice”, HEAVEN SHALL BURN worked together with composer, producer and director Sven Helbig and conductor Wilhelm Keitel, this time supported by the Mondëna Quartet and the Ukrainian Sophia Chamber Choir.
