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Finally, after delays, demos and promises one of my favorite Thrash band of the 80's comes back with a new album. Now, when a band has an 18-year span between albums you would expect to have a drastically different sound to what they previously did. However, to my surprise The Evolution of Chaos follows the same style as Victims of Deception. This isn't the go-for-the-throat approach of the debut but rather a calculated effort (not a trace of prog jerking) that takes no time to get into.

This record begins with an acoustic intro that is not unlike what you would hear on a Nile album. From there, the band goes on a rampage with "Dying Season" which is the fastest song on the disc. As I stated before, this is a more calculated effort and the band seems to adopt an epic songwriting approach with tracks like the eleven minute mammoth "No Stone Unturned". With the exception of the intro and "Bloodkult", these are long songs; they all pass the five and a half minute mark and with 11 tracks here, you'll get a lot of value in the disc. But the thing that I like most about the record is that each song has its proper identity; they don't blend with one another, they all stand out and I don't have any difficult distinguishing them.

Musicianship-wise, Heathen don't fuck around. It has always been a trademark of this band and this record is no different. With the exception of their founder, guitarist Lee Altus and singer David White, this is a totally revamped lineup. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter who is on the album as the playing here is top notch, starting with the guitarists who deliver killer riffs and piercing solos like it was the easiest thing in the world. The rhythm session is flawless, you won't hear any mistakes here and even the bass player has some moments in the spotlight. The only weak spot (if I can call it that) is White, not that he is bad, far from it, but if you are expecting his melodic voice to be the same that it was yesteryear you'll be disappointed.

The Evolution of Chaos is a pleasant surprise, because this could have gone wrong in so many ways. I've been listening to the album for over a week now and I always find something new and exciting. Basically, this is Thrash goodness at its finest, if you are looking for a jaw dropping effort this will be right in you alley. This is a great album from a band that has been on the backburner for far too long. Hopefully this will put them at the front of the pack where they rightfully belong.