As time has gone on, the very realms of black and folk metal have become progressively more entwined with each other with one band to the next having something different to offer than the last with it being typically a handful of times each year that we manage to receive a work that’s downright compelling in every aspect. Last year, we were given creations from the likes of Windfaerer, Wormwood, Untamed Land, and Cân Bardd (just to name a few) that were all but grand boons for both our ears and the style at large. It was only a matter of time before 2022 saw its first great entry of the sound, and it’s only fitting that the up-and-coming name of Mosaic would be the ones to deliver it.

Few names out of Europe have been as prolific in such a short amount of time in the many realms of folk metal as Mosaic has become since their first release eleven years ago. Across several splits, three EPs, and two full-length records before this, Mosaic has become a true name in the underground when it comes to quality molded into a fantastic package of folklore and black metal that is all but compelling virtually every single time, making each new effort from Mosaic something to always take note of. The most mature work to date from the band as well as no guest appearances like of previous efforts from Mosaic, this is the band at their purest yet with every given facet of “Heimatspuk” showcasing a gorgeous display of musical prowess that I would dare anyone to find anywhere else in the world of metal for the unique identity that’s to be found in the whole of the record with naught but true magic binding it all together wondrously. It all enables “Heimatspuk” to become an incredibly dense and fantastical record as we can see the many sides of Mosaic at play here whether it be the more folk and avant-garde-oriented side of the band taking up a significant chunk of the runtime while the scathing black metal face of Mosiac makes for a fantastic contrast that plays to the very strengths that this band has flaunted since day one, and there’s no sign of the band losing it when it comes to their quality nor losing their touch in being a band that can only be considered as downright mystical.

At some point, words are meaningless for a record as profound, unique, and dense as this with Mosaic’s work only the be described as work that only Mosaic can craft with such excellence. To lose yourself in the mysticism of “Heimatspuk” is to find yourself in the very myths of old with the spirits playing a significant role in bringing this effort to life, and naught to is to gleamed from this record outside of grandeur that only growing legends like Mosaic and craft.

“Heimatspuk” releases on April 22nd via Eisenwald!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Heimatspuk” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Mosaic on Facebook here.