Rockfreaks.net

Heathen Beast

Ayodhya Burns EP

Written by: PP on 16/02/2011 01:12:43

In recent weeks I've been covering a few bands from one of the unlikeliest corners of the metal scene: Mumbai, India. Heathen Beast is the third and final band from the region that has made its way to our inbox as a result of the Demonic Resurrection review I did some time ago; it has been only a couple of months since the release of their debut EP "Ayodhya Burns", a three track traditionalist black metal record about atheism and how it relates to the Indian culture.

It is, of course, somewhat difficult to decipher that message from their vocalist who possesses a particularly coarse and distorted shriek, which sounds more like screeching than actual vocals. No problem, as it suits the Dark Funeral-esque black metal quite well in this case, and because it is sometimes possible to hear and understand bits and pieces from the textured mess. "Religious Genocide", for example, portrays excellent songwriting, evident in how catchy the track is despite being traditional chainsaw black metal at hyperspeed through and through. Their guitarist shows off slick ability frequently and should be credited for keeping the three tracks together as tightly wound up as they are. Usually shoebox-type screeching black metal annoys the living shit out of me, but Heathen Beast have managed a good balance between structure and chaos to impress me enough to rate them a

Download: Religious Genocide
For the fans of: Bolt Thrower, Dark Funeral,
Listen: Reverbnation

Release date 26.11.2010
Self-Released