Nuclear Blast Records signs Heathen

Official press release: The ink has finally dried and Nuclear Blast Records is proud to announce the worldwide signing of the Bay Area's indomitable thrash metal band Heathen! Founding member and guitarist Lee Altus comments on the new alliance: "I'm really happy and couldn't think of a better label for Heathen. I've known people at Nuclear Blast, some of whom have been fans of the band going as far back as the early demo days, and have been friends with them for many years. It's amazing for me to think that throughout this band's career, every album we recorded has been released on a different label. I can finally say that we have found home. Nuclear Blast has become a mecca for Bay Area thrash bands and we are happy to join our friends and partners in crime Exodus, Death Angel, Testament and Forbidden. Now it's time to get to work on the new album!" Lead singer David White adds: "I want to thank all the fans for their amazing support; we do not take any of this lightly! Now we move forward with a true Metal record company that really understands what we're all about, 2012 and beyond!!!" Forged in the fertile breeding ground of the Bay Area's thrash scene in 1984 and debuting onto the worldwide tape-trading scene in 1986 with their six-song "Pray For Death" demo, Heathen went on to create the now classic Breaking The Silence in 1987 (whose opening track "Death By Hanging" quickly became a live staple) and 1991's Victims Of Deception, which included the nine-and-a-half minute opus "Heathen's Song." Reunited in 2001 for San Francisco's Thrash of the Titans benefit for Testament's Chuck Billy and Death's Chuck Schuldiner, Heathen reemerged in full force after a 19-year absence with stellar reviews for 2010's The Evolution Of Chaos and will begin recording their fourth studio album later this year.