Heretoir

Heretoir stands as one of Germany's most compelling voices in the post-metal and blackgaze scene, weaving together atmospheric soundscapes that blur the boundaries between melancholy and hope, despair and transcendence. Founded in 2006 in Augsburg as a solo project by David "Eklatanz" Conrad, the band has evolved from introspective beginnings into a full ensemble that has garnered international acclaim for their emotionally charged compositions. The band name itself reflects their philosophical approach - combining "here" from the English word "heretic" and the French syllable "-toir," creating a fictional synonym for "going one's own way". This linguistic fusion perfectly encapsulates Heretoir's approach to music: a deliberate departure from conventional metal structures in favor of something more nuanced and emotionally resonant.

The band's journey began with Eklatanz releasing the demo "Existenz" in 2008, which was later reissued as the ".Existenz." EP through Chinese label Pest Productions in 2009. After contributing to several compilations and releasing a split with Thränenkind, Heretoir signed a four-album deal with German label Northern Silence Productions in April 2010. Their self-titled debut album arrived in February 2011, a deeply personal work exploring themes of loss through the emotional journey of a protagonist coping with the death of a loved one. The album featured stunning artwork by Fursy Teyssier of Les Discrets and layout by the renowned Metastazis, who had previously worked with acts like Alcest, Gorgoroth, and Secrets of the Moon. The band's live incarnation took shape in October 2011 with their first concert at the Autumn Depression Festival in Essen, supported by additional musicians Maximilian "M.F." and Emanuel "Belial" D.

The addition of Matthias "Nathanael" S. from Agrypnie and Thränenkind as bassist and backing vocalist in 2010 marked the beginning of Heretoir's evolution into a collaborative unit, though his compositional contributions didn't begin until 2012. The band has since released three full-length records, one mini-album, and numerous EPs and compilations, establishing themselves as a significant force in European post-metal. Their extensive touring history includes European tours with Ghost Bath and King Apathy in 2017, opening slots for Norwegian legends Enslaved alongside Imperium Dekadenz, and tours with acts like Kalmah, Nothgard, and Lost In Grey. Beyond Europe, Heretoir has brought their atmospheric compositions to audiences across China, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, sharing stages with influential acts like Katatonia, Alcest, God is an Astronaut, Agalloch, and Killswitch Engage. Their 2023 album "Nightsphere" marked a significant milestone as the first release featuring collaborative songwriting from all band members, while their upcoming fourth studio album "Solastalgia" is set for release on September 19th, 2025, via AOP Records, exploring themes of environmental grief and alienation from the natural world.

Discography

Studio Albums:

• 2011: Heretoir (Northern Silence Productions)
• 2017: The Circle (Northern Silence Productions)
• 2023: Nightsphere (Northern Silence Productions)
• 2025: Solastalgia (AOP Records)

EPs and Mini-Albums:

• 2008: Existenz (Demo)
• 2009: .Existenz. (Pest Productions)
• 2023: Wastelands (Northern Silence Productions)

Splits:

• 2010: Wiedersehen - unsere Hoffnung (with Thränenkind, Pest Productions)