Return to Hemmersmoor

Released in 2020, Return to Hemmersmoor is the third full-length installment in the ongoing conceptual saga by the international metal outfit Them. Following the narrative established in Sweet Hollow and Manor of the 7 Gables, this album concludes the trilogy surrounding the character of KK Fossor. Sonically, the album sits at the intersection of US Power Metal and European Progressive Metal, heavily influenced by the theatricality of King Diamond. The recording features a high degree of technical proficiency, particularly in the interplay between the dual guitar leads and the versatile vocal range of Troy Norr. Critics noted the album's improved production values compared to its predecessors, praising its ability to balance catchy hooks with complex, multi-part song structures. It stands as a definitive example of 'Horror Metal,' utilizing sound effects and orchestral interludes to maintain a consistent narrative tension throughout its 12 tracks.