Albums That Will #$@&%*! Your Face Off in 2017: Heretoir, The Circle

It’s a new year, and you know what that means — it’s time for MetalSucks’ seventh annual new year preview, Albums That Will #$@&%*! Your Face Off! As with previous years, we won’t be spotlighting all the great releases coming out this year, but, rather, concentrating on lesser-known bands whose new releases might otherwise escape your attention. Look for these posts by assorted MetalSucks staffers throughout the week. We hope you enjoy ‘em!

Heretoir
The Circle (Northern Silence Productions)
March 24

How much more can be done with black metal, a thirty-year old format, in 2017?

If German act Heretoir are any indication, a whole lot. Heretoir have found a sweet spot between atmospheric black metal and doomy, melancholic death metal, one that’s yet to be explored in the ever-evolving mish mashes of metal sub-genres that keep our scene fresh. The band’s atmospheric, layered guitars and frosty harmonics would feel right at home on a show bill with Alcest, but their downtrodden sense of melody would fit equally well alongside Scandinavian (or Scandinavian-inspired) specialties like Swallow the Sun, Insomnium or Mar de Grises. Heretoir’s music drips with aches and pains and makes you long for the comfort of a warm fire on a rainy day even when it’s sunny outside.

Below, stream our exclusive premiere of “The Circle (Omega),” the title track from Heretoir’s forthcoming album The Circle, which will be released via Northern Silence Productions on March 24th. Pre-order via Bandcamp (digital) and Heretoir’s own store (physical). Follow Heretoir on Facebook.