Releasedate:   07-03-2025
Label: Fastball music

DERHEROLD is a German heavy metal art project led by musician and artist Olav Däumling. The project unfolds across a trilogy titled Arcanum, with Arcanum I – Rage marking its ambitious debut. The album intertwines music, tarot-inspired themes, and visual storytelling, offering a multifaceted artistic experience.

Arcanum I – Rage is the first installment of a conceptual trilogy. Rooted in heavy metal, the album fuses elements of progressive rock, industrial, and dark ambient. Each track reflects a distinct emotional archetype—rage, denial, lust, or confusion—aligned with the tarot card symbolism that inspires the trilogy’s overarching narrative.

Musically, the album shifts from the raw aggression of “Shuddap” to the haunting melancholy of “Fading Love,” and the sinister groove of “Inferno.” The production is deliberately raw, reflecting the emotional turbulence central to the record’s theme. Guest vocals by Seraina Schöpfer on “Cruisin II” add a dynamic contrast to Olav’s gritty performance, making it one of the album’s standout tracks.

Included with the album is a full-color comic book that follows “The Herold,” a prophetic figure navigating a metaphysical world shaped by personal trauma and archetypal forces. The visuals are intricately hand-drawn by Däumling himself and mirror the lyrics’ surreal and symbolic nature. It transforms the album into a fully immersive, multimedia experience.

Arcanum I – Rage is a bold debut that challenges conventional heavy metal boundaries. Olav Däumling’s multifaceted approach—combining diverse musical styles, intricate storytelling, and visual art—results in an immersive and thought-provoking album. Fans of progressive and experimental metal will find this project particularly compelling. The inclusion of the comic book further enriches the experience.

Line up:

• Olav Däumling – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Artwork, Concept

Links:

Bandcamp