Doomed Confessionary: Adrian, Zach & Sera (Heritor)
Heritor is an atmospheric doom/gothic metal band from Spokane, Washington. They have just released their debut album »Fortify, Sanctify, And Destroy« on January 12th, 2025.
Founding husband-wife duo Adrian and Sera sought to forge landscapes showcasing the frigid precision of black metal, monumental spires of gloom, the timeless melancholy of ancient lullabies, and the long desert drives of stoned doom; and upon attracting a tight-knit coven of friends and family, they achieve, and will continue to refine and expound upon (and more).
Originally comprised of the above duo and former Mercy Brown drummer Lunden, they released a 2021 eponymous 4-song EP, which carries itself well. Since, they’ve been joined by Sera’s brother Zach on guitar, and Mike Smith on bass.
This ensemble inherited much talent and influence, from so many different genres, they are likely the serendipitous heirs to a genre of their own; their melodic, raucous symphony at once blending well enough with almost all and nearly none: Heritor.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Adrian: Sera and I are married; Zach and Sera are siblings. We’re from Spokane, Washington, USA. We are close friends and enjoy similar styles of metal.
Sera: We’ve been described as gloom metal.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Zach: With more members, it’s more challenging to find a good mix of everyone’s tastes, preferences. But, we don’t really argue or anything.
Adrian: Being so close with the people with whom you compose music. Passions flare and sometimes reign, but compassion and patience always seem to win out.
Sera: We started during the pandemic, and didn’t play our first show for three years. Also, we went from three to five members. Me letting go of playing guitar was hard (I injured my fret hand). But, Zach is such a great guitarist. I’ve been trying to get him to play in a band with me since we were in high school!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Adrian: I’m very proud of Zach’s interest in and contributions to our sound. Proud of our new album, too.
Zach: The album. I’m proud of being in a band that can convey that comfortable melancholy, the sadness.
Sera: I’m proud of having such good support around us, helping us make videos, and record us.
What was your biggest regret?
Sera: I don’t think we have any, and that’s okay.
Adrian: I wish we played »To The End« more. It’s one of my favourite songs.
Zach: No regrets.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Adrian: New Years Eve, at the Big Dipper in Spokane. It was the promoter, Ryan Levey’s birthday party. I was so honoured he wanted us to play. That was a positive experience, best crowd.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Adrian: I get surprised at how eclectic and diverse it can be. We can be on a bill with three other bands, each act a different genre, or undefinable. It’s refreshing.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Adrian: Aara, Ratatat, and Vomitron. And Lovebites.
Zach: Leprous, Opeth, Gojira, Soundgarden.
Sera: Faytooth, Dopesmoker, Grin, Black Bile.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Zach: Find what you’re good at, and exaggerate the crap out of it.
Sera: As a vocalist, whatever sound comes out, even if it’s “wrong,” it is meant to come out.
Zach: Whenever you fuck up, it’s just limitations leaving your body.
Adrian: Play guitar every day. Like, at least touch it. Sounds like making mistakes is on our minds! Best advice I got about that was to smile through them, kinda pretend they didn’t happen.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Zach: At grocery stores, unscrewing the lids of pickle jars, just a little bit… I think about it all the time.
Sera: Mine is probably treating my dog like a human baby.
Adrian: Fart telegraphy: When you sit on a pillow and fart on it, if you get up right after, the pillow decompresses, and absorbs the fart. Then, when you throw that pillow at someone, it compresses again, ejecting the fart. For real though: I still really like video games. RPGs in particular. I’m playing Conan: Exiles, now. Total time-suck.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Spokane?
Zach: I’m starting to see a recovery in live music. I see more people coming out to shows. They’re starting to pack up again.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Adrian: Just regional, for now. Northwest USA.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Sera: Go on some mini-tours, spread the word that we’re here, because I think we’ve got something good going on.
Zach: “To blow up, and act like I don’t know nobody!” (Joking). Write another album.
Adrian: We experienced a lot of positive momentum, traction, really soon. I’m excited to see if we can keep that up, and where it takes us. Some of us have been in moderately successful, touring bands before. It’ll be a first for me.
How can people best support your band?
Sera: Buying our merch on Bandcamp, and listening to us.
Zach: Come see our show!
Adrian: Word of mouth is huge: I get excited when I hear from a friend, that his taxi driver or waiter was talking to him about our music, recommending it.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Adrian: I truly cannot wait to meet you!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well