Belgian black metal band OERHEKS will release their debut full-length album, “De Stroom,” internationally on November 24. Spanning four tracks and 41 minutes, the album explores the waterways around Cagghenvinna, where the band is based, historical floods, and the shifting course of the River Demer. The album’s first track, ‘De Vloed Vervloekt’, is now available to stream via Amor Fati Productions’ official YouTube channel.

Since making their recorded debut with the Cagghenvinna demo in 2022, OERHEKS have made their mark on the Flemish black metal scene with an approach rooted in pagan themes. The driving force behind the band, Hans Cools, is also known for his work with projects such as SILVER KNIFE, LVTHN, and HÄXENIJZRKELL. OERHEKS have released five demos to date, two of which are album-length releases, illustrating the extent of the band’s output leading up to “De Stroom.”

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The musical framework of “De Stroom” is directly tied to the landscape that informs its subject matter. Drawing on the water-shaped history of Cagghenvinna, the Demer Valley, and the Hageland region, the album weaves a broad narrative encompassing ancient seas, rain and floods, the river’s ever-changing meanders, and its perpetual journey from source to floodplain. OERHEKS’ black metal approach reflects these themes by bringing atmospheric passages together with harsher sections.

The album’s visual design draws inspiration from classical music and film soundtrack LP covers from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Created by visual artist Pierre Perichaud, photographer Davy Prenen, and designer Dan Fried, the artwork carries the album’s rural and historical references into its visual presentation.

“De Stroom” will be released on CD and vinyl by Amor Fati Productions, with Babylon Doom Cult handling the cassette edition. On December 4, OERHEKS will celebrate the album’s release with a special show in Antwerp, joined by HÄXENIJZRKELL and Ihloosuhree.

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