Heathen
The Evolution Of Chaos

When I think of 1980s Bay Area Thrash metal, among the many terms nestled in my mind, one stands out: anger. Or, if you prefer a milder expression, a desire for denunciation. Since then, a lot of water has passed under the bridges, and many things have changed, including the music scene and the very way music is understood. Therefore, as I prepare to listen to the latest work from Heathen, who return to pick up their instruments after having released only one EP ("Recovered", 2004) since 1991, I can't help but shiver with fear. Will Lee Altus's band really have something to say with this "The Evolution Of Chaos", or will it just be a trivial attempt to shake up the current, stagnant decay of metal?

Straight answer: this record is a blow, a real one. The Oriental-sounding intro leads us to "Dying Season": it's the start of pandemonium. Truly remarkable riffs, a David White furious as ever delighting us with his raw and boisterous screams, a Darren Minter behind the drums doing whatever he wants, whether it's proceeding slowly or smashing the world apart. "The Evolution Of Chaos" is this: '80s Thrash at its best.

However, do not jump to hasty conclusions: this record is not monotonous at all, on the contrary, it is full of nuances and ideas: "No Stone Unturned" is a true sound kaleidoscope lasting 11 minutes; the unusual "A Hero's Welcome" immerses the listener in a subdued epic atmosphere; "Red Tears Of Disgrace," then, is the classic stream of sweet and crystal-clear water that, before you know it, overflows and overwhelms you.

In conclusion, even though it took some time, Heathen delivers a truly commendable work, where the roughness is balanced by expertly crafted melodic parts, and an overwhelming energy gushes from (almost) every note. The only significant flaw of the album is the excessive length of some tracks, which makes it too lengthy and less fluid. Nevertheless, it is a price worth paying for such a well-executed work. Hoping that we won't have to wait another decade for the next one.