Formerly known as Consenting Adults, Heikousen formed just outside Philadelphia just about 5 years ago. Their 4 members are n newcomers to the scene either, they have been around the proverbial block quite a few times. Vocalist Dave Grossman is the bass player for Spaceman/Avant Garde band Rosetta. The other 3 members; Steven Dever, Dan Dalton and mastermind Josh Mahesh Kost are hands down the most talented musicians at their respected instruments that I know.
So after a 5 year wait and countless numbers of live shows; Heikousen has finally released "Parallels". An album that is almost a perfect mix of equal parts Botch and "Remission" Era Mastodon. For the longest time I thought this was to be an EP, to my surprise it is not. "Parallels" is 10 tracks of precise math metal that not only can hold their own amongst other bands of the genre, they completely blow them away.
The album was recorded by Vince Ratti @ Skylight (A Life Once Lost, The Minor Times) and by band guitarist Josh Mahesh. The quality is excellent, each instrument is as clear as can be. The bass pushes through and gels perfectly with the drums, the way a good rhythm section should be. Speaking of drums, Drummer Dan Dalton showcases his skills, ranging from bearded out fills to Danny Carey like passages. Very impressive. The guitar tracks are mixed a bit different then most other tech metal these days, and I mean that in a good way. the mid range is boosted quite a bit, making the severe shredding really stand out. The guitars are reminiscent of Botch's "We are the Romans" at hyper-speed mixed with George Lynch. Very unique style, especially in a genre over saturated with 'Djent' riffs. I LOL'd just typing that amazingly homoerotic "term'. Anyways, these guys bring something to the fold that other tech bands don't right now; shredder solos, straight up Eddie Van Halen type shredding. One minute you have a track that sounds like Burnt by the Sun, within a measure shit gets real and you feel bad about even trying to play an instrument. The three instrumental tracks, aptly title"Untitled", "Untitled 2" & "Simulated Encounters with God"are all ambient passages, full of acoustic strings and layers; thus showing that these guys are not just limited to pummeling your senses. At first, my gripe was the vocals. There was not much range, just a very Sean Ingram like bark. Then I heard "On Accidental Purpose", the kid can sing like an angel. So, I take that back. I jock these guys hard.
All in all, this is an excellent debut release. Don't Sleep.
Fuck Djent, Listen to Heikousen.
Standout Track: Devil is Double is Deuce
Stream the entire album here
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