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. 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.

'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.