Reviewed by James Weaver

Although New Jersey metallers Heathen's Rage never received any kind of real success like their peers such as Anthrax, 'Knights At Switlik' reminds us that they were a good band during their gigging together and this live recording rescued from obscurity shows on the 16 tracks here their impressive ability to unleash metallic fury at Switlik Park Pavilion. The musicianship between the quartet is very tight yet still feels raw and organic, placing you the in heart of their musical maelstrom. Guitarist Tony Lee provides ample enough shred and composure throughout the performance, stealing the spotlight with a wicked solo on track 13, whilst vocalist Bob Pizzauro displays the characteristics of a natural born frontman through commendable stage commandment and crystal clear soaring vocal lines. Although the bulk of the set is comprised of covers of metal's biggest names of that era the band do more than enough justice with their execution of the material, their cover of Iron Maiden's "Flight Of Icarus" being a particular highlight. But it is with their own material where the band truly shine. "Knights Of Steel" boasts the now-iconic galloping riffing whilst "City Of Hell" features some of Pizzauro's finest vocal deliveries of the entire performance. 'Knights At Switlik' shows Heathen Rage performing in their prime and No Life Til Metal Records are to be thanked for getting this unknown metal artefact to Joe Public. They may have slipped into a distant memory down the years, but this release clearly shows why they have still got a small but devoted cult following.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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