Featuring current and former members of Bracewar and Cast Aside, the debut 7" from Richmond, VA's Heathens (who were known as the singular "Heathen" at the time of the record's release, as indicated by the cover art), on Thrashed! Records, tears through five tracks of absolutely excellent hardcore/punk infused with dingy sludge in less than 10 minutes. It's an interesting combination of styles that you don't really encounter too often, especially these days. The stark contrast in tempos and concise running times along with the bitterly snarled vocal delivery bear some resemblance to a powerviolence sort of angle on occasion (not unlike some of Bracewar's output), but the superbly textured recording really amplifies the effects of those uncommonly gritty, feedback-drenched aspects of the riffing. This is absolutely top-notch material on every level, and since it's over in a flash I'm already super anxious to hear more. Well fucking done...
Get It
Thrashed! Records (7")
Interpunk (7")
RevHQ (7")
iTunes (mp3)
Comments
My only problem is that at times, this record sounds a little TOO much like they share members with Bracewar.
I also fail to see the Sludge worship aside from a veryyyyy few brief moments. It’s obvious that these dudes like Sleep and EyeHateGod… but not really from their music.
10.24.2008 | By Burton
this album is sick as fuck. definitely one of the better headbangers out this year.
with bands like naysayer, swamp thing, and heathens, richmond’s on fuckin’ fire right now.
10.27.2008 | By lolwut?