A while back, my younger brother was a DJ at a nearby rock radio station. This radio station claimed to have a “metal segment” in which they showcased otherwise “less-accessible” metal. I guess if you classify Devildriver, Otep, and newer In Flames as less-accessible; then this radio segment is just for you. However, if you were looking for real, kick you in the balls metal; you will not find it there my friends. In fact, at that particular radio station, you will find Heathen’s- “The Evolution of Chaos” in the rejection bin. Yes, that’s right, the rejection bin. My brother being the awesome fellow he is took such albums and gave them to his older brother. However for some reason, I put the album on the shelf for a good 5 months. During one bored evening, I put the disc in my player and was in awe.
The album starts off with a Middle Eastern-esque melody played with a sitar (by guest: Steve Di Giorgio) and follows into the unbelievable opener “Dying Season”. It is evident that you are in for a treat because this is a full on thrash metal assault on the senses. The album is full of heavy and fast riffing that will bring out that inner 13 year old in all of us—that makes you play air guitar and head bang in no time! Lee Altus’ well composed and fast solos accompany the riffs amazingly well. Accompanied by Kragen Lurn, these 2 guys prove to be an excellent guitar duo that brings about many harmonized moments throughout many of the songs. Darren Minter’s drumming is quite good which is full of double bass and drum fills that keep the listener interested. David White’s vocal duties are also notable as well (however, if you are familiar with Heathen’s past works, you will notice a bit of a change). The higher notes are gone and are replaced by a “James Hetfield” like growl. I am not complaining one bit though, they suit this album extremely well.
As for the songs themselves, there are many standout tracks on this one which includes “Dying Season”, “Controlled By Chaos”, and “Undone” just to name a few. Heathen also attempts to create a lengthy epic titled “No Stone Unturned”. While I feel it is a very good song, it tends to go on a little too long and could be trimmed down a bit. But I am just nit picking because overall, it’s a great song. Some people may also be turned off by their ballad “A Hero’s Welcome”. Lyrically, the song is basically a salute to troops fighting overseas in wars. While the music of the song itself is actually very beautiful and powerful, the subject matter may not be to everyone’s liking. Another item to mention is the great production job on this album. Everything on this album is very clear and mixed well. The riffs are very heavy and powerful and the leads stand out extremely well.
Overall, I highly recommend this album to anybody who has any sort of appreciation of thrash or heavy metal in general. While some newer releases of older thrash bands seem to fall short, this one certainly does not and I think many people are in for a treat.
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