Heir – Terra Triumphans Jubila (Review)

This is the second album from French post-black metallers Heir.

It has been a loooong time since 2017’s Au Peuple de l’Abîme. In fact, I had no idea that Terra Triumphans Jubila even existed until I was kindly pointed in its direction. So Heir are back, with a new lineup since their debut, and have brought 60 minutes of new material with them.

Terra Triumphans Jubila is a carefully crafted mix of black metal, post-metal, hardcore, and a sprinkling of sludge. These component parts are all skilfully combined into lengthy songs that tell a tale of intensity and texture.

Through blackened darkness and post-metal resplendence, Heir travel with an authentic voice that speaks of emotive depth. The songs embrace a feeling-first approach to songwriting, building mood and atmosphere effortlessly. The aggression in the extreme music is married to thoughtful introspection and evocative worldbuilding, making for a highly compelling collection of songs. Heir have a mastery of blackened shape and form, and they use this across the hour of music on this record to transport the listener into their well-constructed world. Each track offers a lot to explore.

This is, very simply, a hugely enjoyable and rewarding album. It gets better with every listen, and Heir have developed their sound to the point of truly being a contender. Apparently however, Terra Triumphans Jubila is Heir’s final release. To say this is a crushing disappointment and a massive shame. is an understatement. Still, at least they are going out on a high. Don’t let this disappear into obscurity.

This is an essential album for fans of bands such as Altar of Plagues, Axioma, Ba’al, Downfall of Gaia, The Great Old Ones, Hope Drone, Regarde les Hommes Tomber, etc.