Heruvim

Heruvim is a Ukrainian death metal band known for their intense, atmospheric sound forged amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The band members—Kick Flis (guitar), Nefarious (vocals/guitar), Hot Rod (bass), and Andrii Sarandi (drums)—create music that mixes technical, progressive, and brutal death metal with a deep emotional weight, reflecting the realities of war and survival. Their debut full-length album, *Mercator* (2025), was written and recorded under the shadow of war, making it not just powerful metal but a statement of resilience and defiance, with proceeds supporting their comrades on the frontlines. Their music is layered and cinematic, blending crushing riffs with atmospheric passages, influencing from bands like Bolt Thrower and Morbid Angel while also channeling themes from Robert E. Howard’s works.

Heruvim’s sound stands out for its blend of brutal heaviness and surprising beauty, capturing both chaos and a sense of hope amidst turmoil. Their recent releases include *Mercator*, *Mysterium Tremendum*, *Nulla Res*, *Battle of Cimmeria*, and *Shadowheart*, the latter of which also contributed proceeds to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. The band transcends typical death metal tropes by embedding real-world struggles into a rich musical tapestry, making their work both a battle cry and an enduring piece of art born from adversity.