Heathen Peace – Civilisation Ends Here (12”, Rebellion Records/Cosmic Key Creations, 2024)

 

For nearly 15 years Wouter Davids was the frontman and voice of the mighty Razorblade. Eventually (and unfortunately) the band called it quits in 2015, but shortly after Rebellion Records’ head-honcho formed Live By The Sword, a band with a more complex sound in which Wouter is responsible for the guitarwork and song-writing, while the vocals are done by Erick Barnes of Strongarm And The Bullies’ fame. I personally love the hybrid sound of Oi! and metal, but to be honest – I do miss the crude and vile vocals of Razorblade’s days of glory from time to time...

But luckily there is now Heathen Peace, a new band formed and fronted by Davids’ himself! Born out of frustration due to the long process that Live By The Sword’s third full-length album currently is in, the Dutch maniac formed Heathen Peace to blow off some steam and “some” is truly an understatement! Because straight after the short and gloom intro “Preludium”, Heathen Peace’s barbarian sound will turn you into a sword wielding warmonger ready to decapitate anyone who stands in your fucking way!

Musically this blackened ruck ‘n’ roll death-squad sounds like a brutal mash-up between its members’ (Wouter, Freek and Frank) ex and current bands like Live By The Sword, God Dethroned and of course – and greatly due to Davids’ strong and ruthless vocals – Razorblade! With those brute vocals, the chainsaw guitars and the earth trembling drums the Dutch trio furiously rages through seven scorching anthems - “Civilisation Ends Here...”, “Allegiance”, “Throne Of Betrayal”, “To Ride The Nightsky”, “Reborn In Power”, “The Inevitable Fall” and “Saxon Wars (Requiem)”, resulting in nothing but a sheer powerhouse from start to finish! Love it!

When bands say they mix Oi! or punk with black and/or death metal they can sound all they want, but Heathen Peace is how I want this mix to sound! Eight songs and 22 minutes of Dutch brutality jammed on one 12” that I cant wait to get my hands on! Civilization might end here, but hopefully it marks the beginning of this new stronghold of The Netherlands!