Great guitar play but uninspired songwriting - A review of Heathen's Empire of the Blind

I understand that the times when thrash metal veterans have released two albums within a few months are over but ten and a half years between two records is still a stretch. What matters though is the final result but Heathen's fourth studio album is only good at best and mostly average.

There are a few positive things to point out about Empire of the Blind. The guitar play by Lee Altus and Kragen Lum is excellent. The band can especially convince in the calmer instrumental parts that value melody over speed. The three instrumental tracks aren't fillers but very decent in that regard. I also like the fact how the album closer goes back to the opener, making the entire record sound whole, fluid and coherent.

As you might have guessed, this record also has its flaws. The production sounds rather sterile, flat and cold. I would have expected some more edges and energy coming from a thrash metal album. The few groove metal riffs in the middle section of the album were unnecessary. That's still one of the least imaginative metal genres. The songwriting sounds rather uninspired. While there is no stinker on the album, there isn't one single truly outstanding tune on the entire album. The tracks rush by without leaving a deeper impression.

If I had to recommend songs to check out the album I would probably go for the consistent, energetic and focused ''Blood to Be Let''. The dreamy, haunting and melodic ''Shrine of Apathy'' is also great for what it is even though thrash metal purists might disagree. Otherwise, stick to the playful instrumental tune ''A Fine Red Mist'' which is ironically the second longest track on the album.

In the end, Heathen delivers too little too late on Empire of the Blind. The album isn't a disaster and essentially saved by the excellent guitar play. However, it doesn't leave a deeper impression and is overall good at best and mostly just average. Thrash metal fans can skip that one. Empire of the Blind might only be interesting for avid collectors and fans of the band.

Final rating: 65%