HEROD SHARE NEW VIDEO FOR ’THE ICON’ NEW ALBUM ’ICONOCLAST’ RELEASED 5TH MAY (PELAGIC RECORDS)

12th April 2023 0 By Jon Deaux

There are usually three types of bands: those which play the music that’s largely derivative, those that, by some stroke of luck, produce something partially fresh if not original among the derivative mass, and then there are artists who have a true in-depth understanding of the musical paradigms of the scene they’re a part of, and who use that intel to create something truly special. Switzerland-based atmospheric groove metal quartet Herod falls in the latter category.

“I’m obsessed with late 90’s Meshuggah, early Dillinger Escape Plan, and early Cult of Luna,” explains guitarist Pierre Carroz deftly about the influences behind the sound of his brainchild. Combining the sonic agility of the American math-core pioneers with the relentless ferocity of the Swedish progressive metal innovators, Herod produces a brand of heavy music that is truly face-melting. Having played with legendary metal acts like Obituary, Napalm Death, and Carcass, Herod are no stranger to the international metal scene, and it shows in the caliber of their music. Their upcoming third album ‘Iconoclast’ puts the full power of their artistry on display, redefining musical heaviness and atmosphere at every turn imaginable.

With ‘Iconoclast’, the band delivers a creation of pure magnificence, combining an undeniable artistic mindset with the best of what modern metal has to offer. The latest single ’The Icon’ is the opening track on the album, which according to the band,

“It deals with the intentional attempt to remove history. Iconoclasm has had different meanings throughout history. In the past, it meant the destruction of holy images but today it signifies the aggression towards the rule; a political, social, and liberating act.”
Herod produce a complex, kafkaesque picture of a future world that leaves little room for hope and optimism. Iconoclast sees the Swiss quintet paint with a consistent palette of groovy syncopated riffing, heavy breakdowns, and a diversity of vocal techniques and deliveries. Using similar colors and textures to create many different pictures, it’s an approach that feels almost experimental. Like great abstract painters like Kazimir Malevich or Jackson Pollock, Herod continues to develop their technique and method throughout their oeuvre.

The Iconoclast is a creation of pure magnificence, combining an undeniable artistic mindset with the best of what modern metal has to offer. «The Edifice» features the incredible Matt McGachy from Canadian technical death metal legends Cryptopsy while the album closer sees the band collaborate with long-time friend Loïc Rosetti: «The Prophecy» poses him against a most ferocious backdrop, capturing two amazing vocalists of the past and present Ocean Collective teaming up and facing off since Herod’s vocalist Mike Pilat was the main vocalist on The Ocean’s «Precambrian» album (2007).

Iconoclast is released on 5th May (Pelagic Records).

Pre-order the album now – https://listen.pelagic-records.com/herod