March 19, 2010

Reviewer: M. J.

I have no idea where to start with this, really. Heathen has been one of my favorite thrash bands over the course of the past 25 years. I remember my high anticipation of acquiring their debut, Breaking the Silence, when it was announced that recording had commenced with Ronnie Montrose on board as producer.  Back in those days, it took months to get anything metal related to be stocked in a music store in the area where I grew up. Thankfully, I was able to hear (and tape!) some of its songs on the various late-late night metal radio programs. Eventually, I was able to make a trip to the big city nearby and snag a copy on cassette (later on, CD).  So you can only imagine my joy at hearing the band was back all these years later and starting on The Evolution of Chaos.

I will leave my fanboyism at the door as best I can. Even with that said, The Evolution of Chaos, by any measure, is a triumph for Heathen and most certainly any other artist that might have created it. Not only still having “it” the band has evolved into even better musicians and songwriters. While many of their peers from the Bay area hey-day have lost their way, Heathen has come back to release a tightly focused thrash opus.

The Evolution of Chaos boasts a fairly long playing time but there is so much variety and range throughout, that there is never a chance of the listener getting bored.  We have the rather soothing “Intro” that only hints at the caustic and razor sharp “Dying Season” (originally in more primitive form on their 2005 demo) that hammers its way into your brain.  The recurring guitar riff is reminiscent of earlier days but with new twists and delights. David White has never sounded better with his spitting vocal delivery. Much like a drill sergeant barking out the war saga detailed in the lyrics. “Control by Chaos” features a guest appearance by Gary Holt of Exodus and with his help, the song’s rawness and immediacy hit hard - like a face slamming into cold, unyielding concrete. The assault is clearly on in epic proportion. “No Stone Unturned” pulls out all the stops showing the band’s genius at writing complex and engaging arrangements. It runs the gamut from furious lightning quick guitar histrionics to the melancholic acoustically reinforced center. Like a lollipop that’s hard on the outside with a chewy goodness at its core.

Lee Altus’s involvement with Exodus seems to have given everyone a shot in the arm. He brings that band’s seesaw rhythmic gait to “the pit” on occasion which adds an element of the unexpected. As the record unfolds, the band continues to clobber us again and again, triggering off a whole minefield of unearthed emotions that detonate with devastating precision. “A Hero’s Welcome” signals a complete turnaround with its decidedly un-thrash pitch which pays tribute to soldiers universally. “This song is dedicated to the fallen, wounded and scarred... Their truth is neverending and sacrifice always hard.”

“Undone” and “Bloodkult” bask in vigorous mosh inducing frenzy that knock this record back on its original trajectory.  Both are unapologetic in their intensity and shockingly violent choke hold on our senses. “Red Tears of Disgrace” offers a quick respite with a few solemn moments of reflection about global warming and a dying planet (as I interpret the lyrics). The end is all but sweet when “Silent Nothingness” tears out of the speakers to take a clear stand dispelling any notion that this is anything less than an honest to goodness THRASH album.

The authenticity, attention to craft, and a bold sense genuineness demonstrated here, distinctly make The Evolution of Chaos a true joy. If there was any question of Heathen’s rightful place in metal history it should be resoundingly banished. The pages they have yet to write will only cement the foundation they have so carefully laid with their outstanding body of music. Let the Evolution continue.

Release Date: February 16th, 2010
Label: Mascot Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Intro
2.  Dying Season
3.  Control by Chaos
4.  No Stone Unturned
5.  Arrows of Agony
6.  Fade Away
7.  A Hero's Welcome
8.  Undone
9.  Bloodkult
10.  Red Tears of Disgrace
11.  Silent Nothingness

Total playing time: 01:08:34

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Heathen - The Evolution of Chaos