NORTHERN GRAVES is a Blackened Doom Metal band that was formed in 2024 in Saskatchewan (Canada) and is now based in Houston (USA).Inspired by the seemingly endless Canadian prairies and the countless ghost towns that dot its landscape,
Northern Graves takes its name from the struggles and challenges of living in the rural North.
Crumbling infrastructure and dwindling populations provide such places with a sense that they’re dying-like,
ruins left behind in the shadow of those who sought opportunities and a better life elsewhere.
Originally formed in the winter of 2023 as a solo project by guitarist and vocalist Damian Smith (Altars of Grief, Subside, Hircine),
Northern Graves was intended more as an escape than anything, and as a means of channeling creativity and telling musical stories.
However, in the spring of 2024, the project expanded to include Branson Heinz (Wills Dissolve, Urbain) on drums and
Andrew Caruana (Wills Dissolve, Urbain) on guitars and vocals, and Roman Chester on bass.
Northern Graves - Derelict Heart | MMR073
'Derelict Heart', Northern Graves' debut full-length album as a complete lineup, is a concept album that tells a story inspired by the poetry of Andrew Suknaski, a Saskatchewan local.
It’s a story about the long, treacherous winters on the plains, and about mortality and what happens after we leave this life.
Coupled with visuals by Travis Smith of Seempieces (Opeth, Katatonia, Nevermore), 'Derelict Heart' seeks to sonically capture the essence of a winter tempest,
the ruggedness of Canadian wilderness, and the despair of losing hope.
The album processes began just as Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Houston, forever imbuing the album with the wild spirit of nature.
to be released April 17, 2026.