Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Photo by Joao Fitas

“This card bears the picture of a tower, with its battlements struck by lightning; two men, one crowned, the other uncrowned, are falling with the fragments of broken masonry” – Papus

“The Lightning-Struck Tower”, the new HEAVENWOOD single, stands as the second stone laid in the creation of the upcoming album “The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II”. A raw and essential piece that captures the moment where everything begins to collapse in order to be rebuilt.

Rooted in the symbolic language of the Tarot, the track embodies sudden rupture and transformation: the violent dismantling of past structures, both internal and external, where identity, belief, and illusion are struck down in a single, irreversible flash.

“This piece also symbolizes, for me, the sudden and unexpected destruction of both the best and the worst of myself – in the immaterial realm – and of the entire structure built in the past – in the material realm”, guitarist, vocalist and founder Ricardo Dias dos Santos states about the song.

Balancing introspection with an undercurrent of tension and release, “The Lightning-Struck Tower” channels Heavenwood’s signature melancholic depth into a powerful reflection on destruction as a necessary force for renewal; a moment of chaos that ultimately clears the path for transcendence.

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A whole decade after their last album, Portuguese gothic/dark metal pioneers Heavenwood announce the release of their highly-anticipated new record, “The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II”, set for worldwide release via Mighty Music on LP, CD and digital formats. Marking the second and final chapter of the conceptual work inspired by the hermetic writings of Gérard Encausse (Papus), the album was recorded at Lucky Cat Studio (Portugal) and mixed and mastered at Vamacara Studios (France) by acclaimed producer Niko HK Krauss (Loudblast, Sirenia), elevating the band’s sound to new levels of sophistication and intensity.

“Every work has its own story, and this new album goes far beyond being merely a concept and a continuation of the first part released in 2016″, composer, founder, guitarist and singer Ricardo Dias dos Santos comments. “Against all odds that arose in 2022 – after a near-fatal accident and imperative changes that led to a number of irreversible decisions – the conclusion of “The Tarot Of The Bohemians” finally sees the light of day, continuing a legacy that has endured for more than 30 years”.

The album is further enhanced by impeccable and symbolic visual artwork created by renowned artist Naya Kotko, whose evocative imagery perfectly reflects the esoteric depth and spiritual duality that define this new chapter.

With this “Part II” of the concept started with “The Tarot Of The Bohemians” (Massacre Records) in 2016, Heavenwood dive even deeper into the esoteric and emotional dimensions of the Tarot. This album represents both continuity and transformation – it carries Heavenwood melancholic DNA, but it also pushes the band into a more cinematic, intense and contemporary sonic realm.

“The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II” signals a bold new creative chapter for Ricardo Dias dos Santos. The first glimpse into this renewed cycle came with the digital single “Death”, which laid the conceptual and atmospheric foundations for the new opus.

With a career spanning over three decades, Heavenwood have long stood as one of Portugal’s most respected Metal exports. Since their seminal debut “Diva” (1996, Massacre Records) – the first album by a Portuguese Metal band to be released in Japan – the band has shared stages with international heavyweights such as Cradle of Filth, In Flames, Amorphis and Portugal’s own Moonspell, while also performing at prestigious events including Wacken Open Air.

Throughout their evolution – from “Swallow” (1998) to “Redemption” (2008) and “Abyss Masterpiece” (2011) – Heavenwood have continuously refined their signature blend of gothic atmosphere, dark metal weight and introspective lyricism. Now, under the visionary leadership of Ricardo Dias dos Santos, the band closes the 22 Major Arcana Tarot cycle with what promises to be their most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date.

“The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II” will be released on black LP, blue LP (limited to 300), CD and digital formats on 12.06.2026, via Mighty Music.

Recording lineup:
Ricardo Dias dos Santos: guitars, vocals, bass
Eduardo Sinatra: drums (session)

Live lineup:
Ricardo Dias dos Santos: guitars, vocals
Live session musicians

Single pre-save link: https://bfan.link/hvwd-tower
Webshop: https://bit.ly/hvw-tgt

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/HeavenwoodOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/heavenwoodofficial/
https://x.com/heavenwoodmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavenwood_band
https://heavenwoodmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/artist/7jDcROoibcbkYOntqO6mUF
https://music.apple.com/au/artist/heavenwood/417112322
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21j5FrExtiZOvCs5HCVIoA
https://tidal.com/browse/artist/4510103
https://open.qobuz.com/artist/2444393
https://link.deezer.com/s/32x3NgndPNg2PvSITzkSz
https://soundcloud.com/ricardoheavenwood-dias