Heathen

B

ay area band Heathen was formed in 1984 by Lee Altus (guitars) Carl Sacco (ex-Metal Church; drums), who later recruited Sam Kress (lead vocals) and Jim Sanguinetti (guitars; who went on to found Mordred). Shortly after their first gig in 1985, Kress and Sanguinetti left and were replaced by vocalist David White (ex-Blind Illusion) and guitarist Doug Piercy (formerly of Anvil Chorus and Control). The band also recruited bassist Eric Wong soon later. This lineup debuted in early 1986, and despite never achieving commercial success, soon became prolific around the Bay Area along with fellow thrashers Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Forbidden, Death Angel and Vio-lence, and others. Their early style could be described as the aggression of thrash metal combined with NWOBHM-style vocals and arrangements, acoustic intros or outros, and fast-paced melodic shredding solos.

Heathen's break came when they released the Pray For Death demo (1987) resulting in their signing to 'Combat Records'. Soon after, Eric Wong left to join Piranha, and was replaced by ex-Griffin guitarist Mike "Yaz" Jastremski.

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