Photo by Joao Fitas
“Creation necessitates equal destruction in a contrary sense, and therefore the Mem designates all the regenerations that have sprung from previous destruction, all transformations, and consequently death, regarded as the passage from one world to the other” – Papus
“Death”, the new HEAVENWOOD single and visualizer video, marks the beginning of “The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II”, while simultaneously echoing the final breath of its predecessor. Serving as both an ending and a rebirth, the track embodies the symbolic transition between cycles, worlds and states of being.
Deeply rooted in the esoteric language of the Tarot and inspired by the Major Arcana’s transformative symbolism, “Death” explores destruction not as a finality, but as an essential passage toward regeneration. Within the conceptual framework of the 22 Tarot cards, the song represents movement, metamorphosis and the inevitable crossing from one spiritual and emotional plane into another.
“This piece represents the beginning of Part II, in the same way that it also reflects the ending of the previous album (Part I), while not forgetting that this same theme and concept, when framed within the whole and within the 22 cards of the Major Arcana of the Tarot, also represents a passage”, states Heavenwood mastermind Ricardo Dias dos Santos.
Balancing solemn melancholy with cinematic intensity, “Death” channels Heavenwood’s unmistakable gothic and dark metal identity into a deeply allegorical composition; a threefold reflection of the band’s Past, Present and Future, where memory, transformation and transcendence converge into a single ritualistic experience.
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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://hvwd.bfan.link/death
Webshop: https://bit.ly/hvw-tgt
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