SINGLE REVIEW: Heirloom - "Accuser"

Heirloom unleash nasty riffs and hard-hitting breakdowns in “Accuser”

Written by JD Walker

In many respects, metal music is getting heavier yet more accessible - bands like Northlane, Thornhill, and Silent Planet are focusing on quality songwriting and a connective message while not shying away from bringing the heat. Heirloom is a band that is following this trend flawlessly, and their new banger “Accuser” is a perfect example. The 3 minute heat-seeking missile of a song gets the point across effortlessly and has the propensity to stay on repeat. 

“Accuser” wastes no time getting right down to business. Vocalist Nolan Smith’s opening line, “Not everything’s so personal” sets the tone instantly while guitarists Kevin DeJong and Michael Evans unleash a flurry of hard hitting, djenty riffs. The song follows a more traditional song structure which is a net positive, giving the average listener accessibility into a niche genre while being unrelenting on the overall tone and timbre of the song. Bassist Austin Smith and drummer Nick Leferson held down the rhythmic fort and without a doubt brought the song to a new level in terms of heaviness. 

Heirloom are on a mission to create heavy, yet accessible songs like “Accuser”. In the band’s own words, “The song highlights the more melodic and catchy elements of the record, but certainly does not withhold the heavy.” “Heirloom” is chock full of money riffs, catchy hooks, and a solid chorus that will leave listeners begging for more. The lyrics themselves further contribute to the song as a whole, combatting manipulative and narcissistic personalities in a struggle that’s relatable for many. 

“Accuser” is a quick and dirty banger that’ll leave the listener gasping for breath and hitting the “repeat” button. Heirloom are well on their way to blaze trails through the progressive metalcore scene, and with songs like “Accuser” it’s hard to argue that they don’t belong with some of the bigger acts on the circuit. The band have big plans for 2021 and anticipate a number of forthcoming releases, so “Accuser” is only the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a big year for Heirloom.