Heretic is an American heavy metal band that emerged in the Los Angeles metal scene during the early 1980s. The band is known for its aggressive and raw style of metal that blends thrash, power, and traditional heavy metal influences. Heretic's music is characterized by blistering guitar riffs, pounding drums, and soaring vocals that are often accompanied by thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics. In this essay, we will explore the history and significance of the band Heretic in the metal scene.
The band was formed in 1984 by Brian Korban, a guitarist and vocalist, and Julian Mendez, a vocalist. The original lineup of the band also included guitarists Rick Mead and Glenn Rogers, bassist Dennis Ohara, and drummer Ignazio Coppola. The band quickly gained attention in the local metal scene for their energetic live performances and the raw intensity of their music.
In 1986, the band released their debut album, "Breaking Point," on Metal Blade Records. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike and helped establish the band as one of the rising stars of the metal scene. The album features a range of heavy and fast-paced tracks that showcase the band's dynamic musical abilities. Songs like "Torture Knows No Boundary" and "The Circle" are particularly notable for their aggressive and socially conscious lyrics that deal with themes of political corruption and social injustice.
Heretic's second album, "Torture Knows No Boundary," was released in 1987 and marked a further progression in the band's musical style. The album featured more complex song structures and a greater emphasis on melody and harmony. The album also featured a cover of the Rolling Stones' classic "Out of Time," which showcased the band's ability to put their own unique spin on well-known tracks.
Despite the critical success of their first two albums, Heretic struggled to achieve commercial success and disbanded in 1988. The band members went on to pursue other projects, with guitarist Glenn Rogers joining the band Deliverance and vocalist Julian Mendez releasing a solo album.
However, in 2011, Heretic was reformed by guitarist Brian Korban, and the band released their third album, "A Time of Crisis," in 2012. The album was once again well-received by fans and critics and showcased the band's ability to continue evolving and experimenting with their sound. The album also featured guest appearances by metal legends like Ronny Munroe and Jim Durkin.
