Heimataerde – Eigengrab (Album – Fully Packed Records)
Genre/Influences: Dark-electro & medieval, metal-pop.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Ashalr Von Megalon founded Heimataerde in 2004. After successful dark-electronic albums with a very personal medieval flavor on top the band progressively empowered their work with harder, metal-driven guitar riffs. Four years after their last full length, the band left Out Of Line and strikes back with their eighth album in history entitled “Eigengrab”. Next to the ‘normal’ edit, there also is a double-CD and a limited CD-box (500 copies) featuring three discs (audiobooks).
Content: The sound of Heimataerde remains easily recognizable. The band is once more inspired by medieval melodies and themes sung in German. The intro song is a bit mystic, but the perfect interlude for what’s coming up. Electronics and guitar create a powerful fusion with the extra medieval touch on top. The choruses are carrying and Heimataerde here reveals an even more –I dare to say, ‘catchy’ side. The bagpipe sounds will make you dance while the guitar only empowers the sound, creating a furious, but very accessible format. “Vor Langer Zeit” has something really special as it sounds a bit indie-like. The album features 14 cuts and especially both last tracks are more metal-driven.
+ + + : Heimataerde remains a formation with a very special sound DNA. The sound has always been a kind of challenge, but it first of all appears to be a harmonious fusion between different influences. I don’t know any other artist mixing dark-electronics together with medieval- and metal music like Heimataerde does. Medieval-electronics or metal-pop music? I think the label doesn’t really matter. Heimataerde doesn’t repeat itself, but once again moves a bit further into the exploration of their sound quest. The songs are achieved with impressive, carrying choruses, literally elevating the songs towards a higher dimension. I already mentioned “Vor Langer Zeit”, but I also want to tip “Nur Du Und Ich”, “Kind Der Nacht”, “Bei Meiner Ehr’” and “Und Es Ist – featuring Holly Loose”.
– – – : The tracklist is maybe a little bit more versatile than on previous albums, but it doesn’t really matter. My only regret –which was also true for the previous releases, is that non-German speaking fans will have some difficulties understanding the lyrics.
Conclusion: Heimataerde strikes back in style and power! This formation has never really disappointed me while “Eigengrab” is one of their masterpieces.
Best songs: “Vor Langer Zeit”, “Nur Du Und Ich”, “Kind Der Nacht”, “Bei Meiner Ehr’”, “Eigengrab – Introductio”, “Und Es Ist – featuring Holly Loose”.
Rate: (9).
Artist: www.heimataerde.de / www.facebook.com/HeimataerdeOffiziell
Label: www.fullypackedreecords.de / www.facebook.com/fullypackedrecords
About Heimataerde
Heimataerde is the project of Ashlar von Megalon, founded in 2004 and known for mixing dark-electronic production with medieval-flavored melodies and, on later albums, metal-driven guitar riffs. For “Eigengrab”, the band’s eighth studio album, the group set up its own label, Fully Packed Records, following four years since its previous full length. Von Megalon worked on the album with fellow member InHocSigno, developing demo ideas into finished songs with input from the rest of the band.
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