"Heimat" translates to "home + homeland + native land" in German—a term that evokes a relationship between people and spaces, yet is always laden with emotions. Often misused, it can sometimes provoke discomfort, heated discussions, and debates over interpretation.
Guitarist Maik Weichert states: "Heimat is not intended to be a narrow viewpoint as it has been used by agitators and populists, but rather a starting point for observations and perspectives. The album addresses a much broader sense of the term 'Heimat': the native lands of many people and also the spiritual home, something that shapes and determines our thoughts and actions."
Heaven Shall Burn took the time to work on the follow-up to "Of Truth And Sacrifice," which reached the top of the official German charts in 2020. "Heimat" was produced in the band's studio, The Dude Ranch, led by guitarist Alexander Dietz. As in the past, Danish producer Tue Madsen handled the mixing and mastering.
The Thuringians enlisted renowned artist Eliran Kantor for the cover art, who had previously created the artwork for "Of Truth And Sacrifice." The centerpiece of this impressive triptych is a rearing stag—depicted in its roaring variant, a classic motif in animal painting, symbolizing kitsch and trivial art from the 19th and 20th centuries, interpreted by some as a symbol of patriarchy and capitalist competition, but here positioned as a vital allegory of resistance within an apocalyptic scene. It is flanked by a hunting lynx and a vigilant owl, completing the highly symbolic artistic concept of the triptych.
As with "Of Truth And Sacrifice," Heaven Shall Burn collaborated with composer, producer, and director Sven Helbig and conductor Wilhelm Keitel, this time supported by the Mondëna Quartet and the Ukrainian chamber choir Sophia.
