Veto

Released in 2013, Veto represents a pivotal moment in Heaven Shall Burn's discography where their fusion of melodic death metal and hardcore reached a state of high-definition perfection. While earlier works were celebrated for their raw energy, Veto introduced a more nuanced sonic palette, including the industrial-influenced 'European Super State' (a Killing Joke cover) and a massive rendition of Blind Guardian's 'Valhalla.' The album's lyrical focus remains steadfastly political, tackling themes of environmentalism, animal rights, and anti-fascism with a directness that has made the band icons of the vegan straight edge scene. Produced with a 'wall of sound' approach, the record achieved significant commercial success for an extreme metal release, charting highly in Germany and the US Heatseekers. It stands as a definitive document of the 2010s European metalcore sound, balancing the technicality of the Gothenburg school with the ethos of the DIY punk underground.