HEATHEN Unleashes Tribute to IRON MAIDEN's Legacy with 'The Prisoner' Cover
In a thunderous salute to the colossal legacy of IRON MAIDEN, Bay Area thrash veterans HEATHEN have unleashed their own rendition of the iconic track 'The Prisoner'. This audacious cover not only pays tribute to the original but also showcases HEATHEN's unmistakable flair, integrating samples from the cult TV show that shares its name. The artwork, crafted by the talented Dan Goldsworthy—renowned for his work with acts like ACCEPT and HAKEN—features an Eddie-ified goblin from their own history, harking back to the band's 1987 classic 'Breaking The Silence'. With a fresh logo that mirrors MAIDEN's, HEATHEN ensures this tribute is anything but routine.
The track was honed to perfection in the hands of mixing maestro Chris "Zeuss" Harris at Planet Z, a studio synonymous with some of metal's finest, including MUNICIPAL WASTE and SHADOWS FALL. The result is a vibrant homage that marries the raw energy of thrash with the polished sophistication of modern metal, ensuring that fans of both the old school and the new will be drawn into the sonic maelstrom.
Guitarist Kragen Lum couldn't contain his excitement, stating, "What can we say about the legendary IRON MAIDEN that hasn't already been said? They've given us 50 years of energetic, melodic metal that's inspired HEATHEN and legions of other bands in the genre." He elaborated on the choice of 'The Prisoner', highlighting its heavy intro and infectious chorus, while promising that HEATHEN's version remains respectful to the original's greatness.
As if this homage wasn't enough to satiate thrash fans, HEATHEN is gearing up for an extensive North American tour. The first leg sees them supporting fellow thrash royalty METAL CHURCH, kicking off on July 17 in Derry, NH, and storming through major cities like Montreal and Pittsburgh before wrapping up on July 26. Following that, the band will hit the road again with Louisiana's horror thrashers VOID, bringing their high-voltage live performance to intimate venues across the Midwest and Northeast.
HEATHEN's statement about the tour resonates with enthusiasm: "We're stoked to join the legendary METAL CHURCH on this short tour of the Northeastern U.S. and Canada. We've put together a set packed with classics, fan favorites, and a few surprises that you won't want to miss. Grab your tickets, and we'll see you in the pit!" This is the kind of energy that fuels the thrash scene, and HEATHEN is ready to deliver the goods.
With a rich history that places them alongside the giants of the Bay Area thrash scene—like EXODUS and TESTAMENT—HEATHEN has proven time and again that they are not just survivors but innovators. Their legacy includes four studio albums, with 'Breaking the Silence' selling over 100,000 copies worldwide and their latest release, 'Empire Of The Blind', making waves internationally. As they embark on this new chapter, HEATHEN continues to carve their name deeper into the annals of metal history.