After a long hiatus, American thrashers Heathen had released a new album early this year and scheduled a tour in March. Unfortunately the tour was postponed till May and so it finally happened. They didn’t bring any supports themselves, so local support had to warm up the crowd.

The thrashcore band Thrashcore Fanatics (or TCF) were already playing when I entered the venue. Basically, they play quite simple, straightforward punk with some thrash riffs, like band such as DRI, SOD or MOD have done before them. But having some more fun and enthusiasm on stage could make such a gig much more enjoyable. And this isn’t a style of music I enjoy much. Anyway playing You Suffer by Napalm Death not once, but three times is pretty hilarious.

Then there was X-tinxion who play thrash with female lead vocals – fortunately nothing gothic sounding. Monica is actually a pretty good thrash singer and frontwoman. Actually an okay band and, but nothing really exciting. Some of the lead guitar work is pretty interesting.

Half an hour later, it was finally time for Heathen. After the mandatory intro from tape, the same as the intro as on the album, they started with a couple of new tracks. The band is in pretty good shape. The songs are played tightly, possibly a little bit faster than on the album. The lead guitar work by both guitarist is top-notch. And singer David is a very active stage presence, trying to involve the crowd and not without success. Besides new songs, they also played songs from their first two albums – about 50-50 new vs old. Opiate of the Masses is the first song and one of may personal favourite Heathen tracks. To my surprise they even played the longest song of the album as well – No Stone Unturned. After the regular set, they came back for 3 more songs to complete their 90 minutes set. So quite good show really. Merchandise was quite expensive and I didn’t see many people wear their shirts in the venue either.

Set list:

• Dying Season
• Control By Chaos
• Fade Away
• Opiate Of The Masses
• Goblin’s Blade
• Mercy Is No Virtue
• No Stone Unturned
• Bloodkult
• Death By Hanging
• —Encores—
• Arrows of Agony
• Open the Grave
• Hypnotized