Bay Area Thrash Veterans Heathen Sign with Napalm Records, Drop New Single "Never a God"

San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal titans Heathen have officially entered a new chapter in their storied career. The band has announced a worldwide signing with Napalm Records and celebrated the partnership by releasing a crushing new single, "Never a God."

The signing marks a significant milestone for the group, which has been a cornerstone of the West Coast metal scene since 1984. Alongside the news of their new label home, the band confirmed that work is already underway on their fifth studio album.
A Nod to the Past

To kick off the Napalm era, Heathen is reaching back into their history. The new single, "Never a God," is a reimagined version of a classic track originally written by Laughing Dead, a band fronted by Heathen vocalist David White in the early 1990s.

"We're going to start this new partnership with Napalm Records off with a bang," the band said in a statement. "We recorded a couple of classic Bay Area thrash tracks originally written by other bands that we played with in the early '90s. The demo collectors out there may have heard these songs before, but they'll be new to most of you."

The release will be featured on a special 12" maxi-single, which also includes the track "Twist of Faith."
A Powerful Partnership

Both the band and the label expressed high expectations for the collaboration. Heathen noted that they are "fired up" to join a team that shares their passion for metal, while Napalm Records senior A&R Sebastian Münch called the band "true icons of the genre."

"We strongly believe in this partnership and are thrilled to take the next chapter of Heathen's legacy to new heights together," Münch stated.
Legacy and the Road Ahead

Heathen remains a vital force in the "Second Wave" of Bay Area thrash, often mentioned in the same breath as legends like Exodus, Testament, and Death Angel. With a lineup featuring David White (vocals), Kragen Lum (guitars), Kyle Edissi (guitars), Jason Mirza (bass), and Blake Anderson (drums), the band continues to build on the success of their 2020 comeback album, Empire of the Blind.

Fans won't have to wait long to see the band live. Heathen is hitting the road immediately, supporting Coroner on the "Dissonance Over the West" North American tour. The trek begins February 4 in Las Vegas and will hit major cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver before wrapping up in late February.

"Never a God" is available now on all streaming platforms, and the official music video can be viewed below.