Ringing in nostalgia from the golden age of Norwegian Black metal, HEIMLAND released their first full-length album "Forfedrenes Taarer" early May under Edged Circle Productions. This group laid seemingly dormant over the years, forming back in 2016, but re-entered with positive reviews in 2021 with their EP "Fimbulvinter".

This album is, to put it simply, a full dark action-fantasy soundtrack with each song taking the listener through different feelings through varying tempos and haunting melodies. Starting with the brief and eerie "Dødens Foerstning", HEIMLAND guides you through their musical thought-process with ease before diving into the heavier, harsher sounds and growled voals in "Ved Dødens Vugge". By the time you're halfway through the album, "Iskald Raatten Jord" leaves you completely entranced especially by Morgoth's bass solo in the latter half of the track. It was hard to pick a favorite from this album because each song is great on its own, and hearing each one and needing to reset your thoughts from the previous track is not easily done. Where I'd think I found a favorite changes constantly, but since it is the final on the album, I'll give "Ættestupet" my vote if only to encourage you to listen to the entire album all the way through.

HEIMLAND's claim on the Black metal community lies in how they are a perfect example of Norway's high caliber metal roster. Fans have already expressed their excitement and affinity for HEIMLAND's brief discography, so there's no doubt they have nestled themselves in what could be considered "essential" Black metal bands to keep an eye out for. The epic tale told through "Forfedrenes Taarer" is memorable, and it sets a high standard for their future releases.