“Heimat” = German for “home / fatherland / birthplace” - a term that only 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 fights over interpretation. Maik Weichert (guitar) notes: "’Heimat’ is not intended as the narrow-minded end point in the sense in which it has been used by agitators and populists, but as the starting point for observations and perspectives. The album is about a much broader meaning of the term ‘Heimat’: the homeland 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. As in the past, Danish producer Tue Madsen took care of the mixing and mastering.

The Thuringians enlisted the help of renowned artist Eliran Kantor for the artwork, who previously created the artwork for “Of Truth And Sacrifice”. The centrepiece of the impressive triptych is a rearing deer - 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 in the midst of an apocalyptic scene. He is flanked by a hunting lynx and a watchful owl, who complete the highly symbolic artwork concept as further elements of the triptych.

“Heimat“ will be released as: Ltd. Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Mediabook (incl. Blu-ray feat. Summer Breeze 2024 Show + “Keinen Schritt zurück” 4-track EP on CD), Standard CD Jewelcase, Ltd. Deluxe Triple-Gatefold transp. red-blue dazzling 2LP+CD (album at 45 rpm + “Keinen Schritt zurück” 4-track EP on CD) & as LP.