I’ve been a huge fan of Heathen since the early 90s, unfortunately they were already no more by the time I was a fan, not that it mattered, as I would never have been able to see them live from where I grew up. Thankfully I got to watch them at Wacken in 2002 though. What I didn’t realise was that they released an album 10 years ago and started writing this one shortly thereafter, unfortunately Gary Holt’s stint in Slayer delayed getting it recorded as Lee Altus and Kragen Lum were too busy touring with Exodus to get anything done. That all changed last year when they were able to reunite with long time vocalist David White and new rhythm section Jim DeMaria and Jason Mirza on drums and bass respectively to finally lay down ‘Empire Of The Blind’ after completing the writing process.

Opening with the peaceful instrumental “This Rotting Sphere”, as it slowly adds layers of instruments before cascading into the very Exodus riff sounding “The Blight”, but as soon David’s vocals come in the riffing changes and while maintaining the breakneck speed, the twin guitars become far more melodic.

The title track “Empire Of The Blind” is just as fast but feels heavier when they slow things down a touch for the verses, but it’s the vocal melody for the chorus that is so unmistakably David White that it can only be Heathen.

Jim DeMaria keeps a slow steady tempo for “Dead And Gone” while the guitars’ pace is feels a little faster, matching the vocal cadence with its very singable chorus and impressive lead break.

“Sun In My Hand” starts off with a melodic lead that breaks down into a solid chugging guitar riff, with the lead returning for the choruses before heading back to the chugging verse riff, while “Blood To Be Let” has a far thrashier riff with the drumming going from a simple tempo to rolls and fills over catchy footwork.

Staying with the straightforward thrash theme, “In Black” maintains some solid riff work while there are some interesting leads thrown in for good measure.

The very ballad-like “Shrine Of Apathy” is nice and slow, with soaring vocals, and when the guitar get heavier the vocals maintain their harmonious quality but just get louder to compensate and emphasise their delivery before Kragen’s lead takes over.

and there is plenty of venom is David’s delivery of “Devour”, as his voice has an angry edge to it, even though the guitar riffing is more subtle and less vicious.

The instrumental “A Fine Red Mist” is essentially a riff fest allowing Lee and Kragen to trade leads while Jim and Jason keep a strong backbeat going at a steady pace.

Once again using a very Exodus style riff, “The Gods Divide” is fast and heavy and a great way to wrap things before the album ends with “Monument To Ruin” which happens to be a reprise of the intro.

I enjoyed this, even if they don’t offer as anything new or unexpected, but then that’s what nostalgia gets you.

(7/10 Marco Gaminara)

https://www.facebook.com/heathen.official

https://heathenthrash.bandcamp.com/album/empire-of-the-blind