GET TO KNOW: Heriot
The best time to discover a band is when they are in the midst of rising to the top. This can be said for HERIOT, a band that can still be caught headlining intimate venues or playing as support acts for the biggest names in UK metal, like BRING ME THE HORIZON and LOATHE. Whether they are delivering enormous riffs in a 150-capacity venue or a 4,500-capacity one, their musical prowess remains a constant. Here at Out of Rage, we delve into what makes them remarkable in 2026.
It is safe to say that HERIOT are a band with range. Many songs are as melodic as they are heavy, like Visage. On the other hand, their songs are fiery, as in their popular track Siege Lord. Their live performance is one of wonders and leaves you thinking: “How does a sunshiny band in terms of personality produce music this fierce?” Well, the answer is this. They are a band who dares to do exactly that, and in turn, they are rewarded. Hailing from Swindon, the four-piece dare to traverse past what is considered safe in metal, forging their sound like a sword. Vocalist/guitarist Debbie Gough blends soft vocals with harsh and dominant gutturals. Match that with thunderous percussion by drummer Julian Gage, and any listener is quickly swept into the whirlwind.
To complete this metaller’s euphony, guitarist Erhan Alman and bassist/vocalist Jake Packer enter the fray. And just like that, the marriage of instrumentation they produce just works. They are a band that evidently understands each other musically. Together, they form something that feels like a branch off metal, chiselling a sound that is so uniquely theirs.
A combination of a signature metal tone and softer vocals is something vocalist/guitarist Debbie Gough excels at. This natural ability is showcased in much of HERIOT’s catalogue. To possess such a dynamic vocal range is what modern metal can be all about, but that does not make it any less extraordinary.In 2021, their track Dispirit gained them recognition. However, it was their single Demure that put them on the map. Released in 2023 with over 950,000 listens on Spotify, the song remains a favourite amongst existing fans and newcomers to HERIOT alike. It begins with haunting guitars that transform into something that snakes around your very being.Furthermore, the release of Soul Chasm marked a key moment in their growth. The track marked their transition from a band that was still unknown to the ferocious beast they have become now. It was introduced alongside a label change to Century Media Records, and the quartet remains with the label today.
HERIOT released their debut album Devoured by the Mouth of Hell in 2024. An updated, deluxe version of the album was released in 2026. The latter version includes the songs Commander of Pain and Master of Deceit: two deliciously heavy tracks that have made it onto recent setlists and set their audiences ablaze when performed.
The band’s name is derivative from the Old English term "heregeat", which translates to “war-gear”. This is fitting, really - as that is exactly what you might need in a HERIOT pit as a means of survival. Patrons of their shows have turned up in armour of sorts, from chainmail headpieces to tinfoil knight costumes emblazoned with the band’s logo. HERIOT embrace this art of self-expression fully, and these fans are often photographed and posted to the band’s Instagram. There are many reports of how HERIOT are some of the nicest people in the scene, too. Considering the bright yellow sheen of Gough’s guitar, which contrasts the heavy music they make, it is no surprise they embrace authenticity. They even have their own Discord server where they regularly interact with fans. At shows, you might catch them slinging their own merch at the desk. This human touch sets them apart from the rest and proves exactly how down-to-earth they are.
HERIOT have already stunned in many sets this year, from early bill Slam Dunk appearances, BRING ME THE HORIZON’s Count Your Blessings dates with OUTBREAK, as LOATHE’s support and more. If this many people in the industry are giving them a chance - and every time the band blow it out of the metaphorical waters - then it is imperative that the whole scene does the same.
Words: Shania Richards
Comments