“Avalon beckons you as you burrow through disease.”
Few bands have ascended the UK metal ladder as rapidly as Heriot. The Swindon and Birmingham doom metal/metalcore hybrid outfit took the UK metal scene by storm in 2022 with their exceptional Profound Morality EP, marking the start of a new chapter for the group. The release introduced the immensely talented Debbie Gough, who now shares vocal duties with founding bassist Jake Packer, while further bringing some stellar lead guitar work to the table.
Fast forward two years, and we arrive at Devoured by the Mouth of Hell, which, despite Heriot now being a decade old project, is their first full-length LP. With the pressure mounting after all this time, the band needed to surpass Profound Morality to establish themselves as one of metalcore’s top new acts. Fortunately, they’ve succeeded and then some, as Devoured by the Mouth of Hell is not only their strongest release to date but is poised to be a standout album for this year’s fourth quarter.
The evolution of the band’s sound is evident from the outset with the lead single “Foul Void,” a powerful four-minute track that amplifies the intensity on every level. The signature atmosphere of Profound Morality is remarkably well-preserved, enhanced by Gough’s haunting ambient clean vocals, culminating in a seismic nu metalcore stylised breakdown that makes this one of the album’s standout tracks right from the start. “Harm Sequence” ensures that the already established momentum from the opener is fully utilized; at just under two minutes, it’s undoubtedly one of the heaviest tracks on the album, effortlessly transitioning between various tempos ranging from grindcore blasting to low-and-slow heavy metalcore riffs and breakdowns, with a blazing solo from Gough to boot.
“Opaline” marks the first instance where Heriot displays their mastery of the art of crafting ambient, cinematic masterpieces. Flowing effortlessly between moody, unsettling melodies accompanied by Gough’s signature clean vocals and crushing doom metal crescendos, “Opaline” is a rich and diverse experience best appreciated within the context of the entire album. Strategically positioned after one of the most abrasive songs, it highlights Heriot’s ability to create a multifaceted listening experience that transcends that of a typical meat-and-potatoes metalcore record (a sentiment we’ve become all too familiar with).
“Siege Lord” and “Sentenced to the Blade” are mid-album stompers that ensure the record does not lose out on its overall intensity following moments of reprieve. Sporting the album’s heaviest breakdowns, alongside some of Gough’s most fearsome screams, these cuts are sure to provide an unforgettable live experience should you ever catch Heriot in such a setting. “Lashed” showcases Heriot’s interpretation of a Nine Inch Nails-inspired industrial metal sound. While it might not align with my personal preferences, it’s undeniably an admirable and well-crafted track that is sure to resonate with fans of its respective genre.
“At the Fortress Gate” features one of Heriot’s grooviest, heaviest breakdowns before flowing seamlessly into “Visage,” a deep cut that is both unsettling and captivating. The first two-thirds adopt a minimalistic style, creating a dark, brooding atmosphere that is strangely beautiful at times. The track culminates in a metallic crescendo, transitioning elegantly into the album’s closer, “Mourn.” This devastating finale echoes the recent precedent set by Knocked Loose, known for their recently established ability to craft epic closers that include the word “mourn” in the namesake. Heriot showcases their full range of talents here; the crushing heaviness, paired with the dark ambient elements enhanced by Debbie Gough’s vocals, blend seamlessly to create a captivating closer that encapsulates everything that unfolds throughout the album’s concise 34-minute runtime.
Devoured by the Mouth of Hell is undoubtedly Heriot’s best work to date. While it explores familiar ground, it elevates every aspect and lays the groundwork for a promising future for the band. This impressive debut is sure to captivate both new and longtime fans, and I have no doubt that the band’s setlist will be newly enriched upon its release. Hopefully, the momentum from this album lasts long enough for Heriot to take advantage of it with a swift sophomore release sooner rather than later.
9/10
Devoured by the Mouth of Hell is out Friday 27th of September via Century Media Records, and can be pre-ordered here.