Review by Ben for Heathen - Breaking the Silence (1987)

Having never heard Heathen before, I was quite excited to give this a few listens. I'd heard that the band's second album is a classic thrash metal release, but thought I'd get a grip on the debut before delving into Victims of Deception. My reaction after quite a few listens is a little lukewarm. Breaking the Silence is a lightweight thrash album to be honest, particularly when compared to bands such as Sadus, Slayer and Kreator. It has more in common with Iron Maiden than the previously mentioned bands.

It's apparent these guys can play their instruments rather well, particularly the guitarists. There are some excellent solos and riffs throughout the album that keep me mildly interested, but I'm left underwhelmed with their song writing and the general sound. The drumming is extremely boring at times and the vocalist isn't very captivating. Most of the tracks just pass by without grabbing me, with the title track being the main exception.

All up I'd call this an average release and a little overrated. I'm still going to check out the second album as the band show promise that they could come up with the goods.