Let’s talk about what happens when a band that’s been around longer than your grandpa’s dentures decides to drop a new album. HERETIC, the Southern California metallers who’ve been churning out riffs since the Reagan era, just released 'Shape Of Things To Come'—and it’s not just another entry in the metal catalog. It’s a statement. A middle finger to the idea that legacy bands can’t evolve. Personally, I think this album is a masterclass in how to balance nostalgia with innovation, and it raises a deeper question: Can a band that’s been around for over 40 years still feel fresh? Or is this just a nostalgia-fueled cash grab? I’m leaning toward the former, but let’s dig into why.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way HERETIC has chosen to embrace their roots while pushing boundaries. Brian Korban, the guitarist who’s been the heartbeat of this band since the '80s, isn’t just recycling old riffs. He’s weaving in thrash, acoustic ballads, and power riffs into a cohesive 12-song journey. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a calculated move. In my opinion, Korban understands that metal fans crave variety, but they also want authenticity. By mixing styles, he’s creating a tapestry that feels both familiar and daring. What many people don’t realize is that this approach isn’t just about pleasing the audience; it’s about proving that HERETIC isn’t just surviving—they’re still leading the charge.
Now, let’s talk about the production. Steve Watson, who handled the recording at his Pasadena studio, isn’t just some guy with a mixing board. He’s a legend in the scene, and his work here is a revelation. The album crackles with live energy, but it’s polished to a sheen that modern metal fans crave. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Watson managed to capture the raw grit of HERETIC’s live shows without sacrificing clarity. This raises a deeper question: In an age where hyper-produced metal often feels sterile, can a band still maintain that ‘live’ feel? Watson’s answer is a resounding yes—and it’s a reminder that production isn’t just about sound; it’s about storytelling.
Candlepower Records, the label behind this release, is another piece of the puzzle. Founded by someone with a background in TV production (yes, the same kind of person who made 'American Idol' look like a reality show), this label isn’t just about music. It’s about branding, visibility, and connecting with audiences in ways that traditional labels might overlook. What this really suggests is that the metal scene is evolving—bands aren’t just fighting for airplay anymore; they’re fighting for cultural relevance. And if you take a step back and think about it, that’s a terrifying and exciting place to be. Candlepower’s approach feels like a bridge between old-school metal values and modern marketing savvy, which is exactly what HERETIC needs to stay relevant.
But here’s the thing: HERETIC’s story isn’t just about the music. It’s about resilience. The band formed in 1985, released a couple of albums, then disbanded. Decades later, they’re back—not as a reunion act, but as a band that’s still hungry. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about legacy. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Brian Korban has managed to keep the band’s core identity intact while bringing in new blood. Julian Mendez, the vocalist who was there from the beginning, is still fronting the band, but the lineup now includes seasoned players like Angelo Espino and Sean Scott McCormick. This isn’t just a band—it’s a family tree, and each new generation adds a layer to the story.
So, what does this mean for the future of metal? If HERETIC can pull this off, it’s proof that legacy bands don’t have to fade into obscurity. They can evolve, adapt, and still deliver the goods. But it also raises a troubling question: Are we seeing more of this, or is this just a one-off? I’d argue it’s the beginning of a trend. As streaming platforms and social media give older bands a second life, the pressure to innovate isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. And if you take a step back and think about it, that’s a beautiful thing. It means that the spirit of metal—raw, unapologetic, and unyielding—can live on, even in a world that’s constantly changing.
