Herzblut cover

Herzblut

Subway to Sally · 2001

49 min · 11 tracks · medieval metal

A powerful blend of medieval melodies and heavy metal riffs, creating an atmospheric yet aggressive soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Die Schlacht Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Veitstanz — This track exemplifies the band's signature style, merging traditional folk melodies with driving metal rhythms and haunting vocals that capture the album's thematic essence.
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    Das Messer — With its dark narrative and compelling instrumentation, 'Das Messer' showcases Subway to Sally's ability to weave storytelling into their music, enhancing the emotional depth of the album.
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    Wenn Engel hassen — 'Wenn Engel hassen' features orchestral arrangements that elevate the song's dramatic intensity, making it a standout example of how the band blends different musical elements to create a rich listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends medieval themes with metal, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs paired with traditional medieval instruments, establishing a strong thematic presence.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral elements and theatrical vocal delivery, enhancing the album's dramatic atmosphere.
  • The album includes tempo shifts, with some songs transitioning from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic passages.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Resonated well within the German scene, showcasing their unique sound.
Themes
medieval battlefields· dark folklore narratives
Career context
Released on April 2, 2001, 'Herzblut' marked Subway to Sally's fifth studio album, solidifying their status within the medieval metal genre after their breakthrough with 'Folk Metal' in the late 1990s. At this point, the band was further developing their unique fusion of folk elements with heavier rock influences, expanding their musical palette.
Stylistic neighbors
In Extremo· Schandmaul· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

  • 1 Die Schlacht Start here 4:02
  • 2 Veitstanz 4:40
  • 3 Das Messer 4:18
  • 4 Herrin des Feuers 7:07
  • 5 Kleid aus Rosen 5:01
  • 6 Wenn Engel hassen 6:31
  • 7 Krötenliebe 3:45
  • 8 Accingite Vos 4:14
  • 9 So rot 3:48
  • 10 Drei Engel 1:14
  • 11 Kleid aus Rosen (akustisch) 5:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata