This Gift is a Curse – Heir (Review)

Sweden’s This Gift Is a Curse has remained in the shadows for a considerable time since their last release six years ago. This “hiatus“ provided ample opportunity for the darkness to work its spell, fueling a diabolical surge of creativity. Heir marks the band’s fourth album, set for release on March 7th via Season of Mist.

This Gift Is a Curse has long been recognized for its intense, genre-blending sound that pushes the boundaries of Black Metal, Post-Hardcore and Sludge. Their latest work is a natural continuation of this, with the band continuing to carve out its own unique space within the metal world. From the very first track, it’s clear that they are still evolving and refining their distinctive sound.

“Kingdom” hurls the listener against a crushing wall of terrifying atmosphere. The song exemplifies the band’s ability to blend melody and chaos in an impressively seamless way. Jagged guitar riffs, harsh vocals, and punishing drumming create an atmosphere of unrelenting intensity. Melancholy and crushing heaviness dominate the track, and though it’s only the opener, it leaves you gasping for air.

The album impressively crosses genre boundaries, merging elements with ease. Black metal riffs in tracks like “No Sun, Nor Moon” are made even more powerful by gut-wrenching vocals. Every track feels drenched in the deepest darkness, with the listener almost suffocating in the oppressive weight of the sound, driven by the band’s intricate song writing.

“Void Bringer” perfectly captures how the Swedes continue to evolve their sound, ensuring that their music never stagnates. The doomy riffs, in particular, play a crucial role in this evolution. As the song progresses, it shifts into faster, more aggressive sections, showcasing the band’s ability to move effortlessly between different tempos and moods.

Experimental elements, such as the use of a gong in “Vow Sayer” or the guest appearance by Laura Morgan, add further depth and atmosphere to the album.

Heir feels like a never-ending descent into pure darkness. It offers an obscure interplay of chaos, melancholy, destruction, and loneliness. Despite its runtime of over an hour, which might seem long, the album flies by. This Gift Is a Curse‘s latest work is definitely not an easy listen. However, it is shaping up to be a truly exciting and multifaceted album—one that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of extreme metal who are searching for something both crushing and thought-provoking.