Already pronounced dead? No way! 2010 appears to be a very good year for Thrash Metal. Next to very interesting newcomer also first-class heroes of our youth release new albums. Let it be to have another go after a longer break, or just because they are still succeeding in their business. To the first category HEATHEN belongs, one of the classic Bay Area bands, who always stood out with a felicitous combination of heaviness and melody. Still proved on their thoroughly recommendable albums Breaking The Silence (1987) and Victims Of Deception (1991).

After a little sign of life with a best-of/cover-song CD in 2004 and a demo CD in 2005 now their third and long finished full-length album The Evolution Of Chaos gets finally released. Although announced for the summer 2009 it took another half year, so that even Overkill was almost a length ahead yet raising the bar. This being said: HEATHEN cannot match. Of course, one will get these typically long gems of Thrah/Speed Metal music with its driving but highly melodious riffing and the classy singing that always set accents. Just let me mention Control By Chaos and Undone. Pretty unusual the epic and 11 minutes running nearly instrumental No Stone Unturned, which again proves that HEATHEN have the right touch for superb melodies.

Unfortunately there are also things I don’t like on The Evolution Of Chaos. First of all, the track Hero's Welcome, kind of a semi-ballad and way too pathetic and croony. Next point is the fact that some parts sound like Exodus’ next record Exhibition B. Especially Fade Away seems to be adapted 1:1 regarding riffwork and song structures. If that is intentional or just due to the fact that Lee Altus is also extremely busy in Exodus remains to be seen…

Apart from that The Evolution Of Chaos offers consistently high quality material leaving you headbanging all time and legitimating a rating of 8.5. Stylistically nothing has changed since the band’s outset. So those who loved HEATHEN back in the time can now promptly snatch a copy. Those, who just (re)discovered Thrash (or Speed) Metal shout at least risk an ear.