EP (2007)
(Reviewer: Billy Taylor)
Despite being a very short offering at just two tracks, Heretic’s ‘Saltergate’ EP leaves a lasting impression, the most obvious being the quality of the production. This is due to the work of Russ Russell, who has famously produced Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir and more recently UK thrash heavyweights Evile.
The title track opens with an industrial ambiance very akin to those found on newer Napalm Death albums. What hits next are the vocals, sounding like the best parts of Barney Greenway, David Vincent and Patrick Lind combined. Frontman Martin Crawford injects some much needed style into something that could have otherwise been labelled as “mid-paced”, or dare I say uninspired? Fortunately the track as a whole comes across very well, closing as it began with an industrial aura.
The next offering ‘Isle Of Dogs’ is far more pushing, crafting an image of suburban dystopia with really interesting mid-sections and more of Mr Crawford’s almost signature vocals creating feelings of tension throughout.
Whatever has been said about Heretic it is clear from this EP that they are trying to set themselves apart from the usual thrash niche and carve their own sound. If this EP is a sign of things to come then I doubt they will have any problems doing so.
