Heretic (2003) - Morbid Angel

 

Heretic by Morbid Angel is the band's seventh studio album, released in 2003. This record is notable for its experimental nature and its deep dive into atmospheric and technical extremes. As a follow-up to Gateways to Annihilation, it continues to explore themes of chaos, mysticism, and the esoteric, all while showcasing the band’s legendary precision and musicianship.

Tracklist:

1. Cleansed in Pestilence (Blade of Elohim)
2. Enshrined by Grace
3. Beneath the Hollow
4. Curse the Flesh
5. Praise the Strength
6. Stricken Arise
7. Place of Many Deaths
8. Abyssous
9. God of Our Own Divinity
10. Within Thy Enemy
11. Memories of the Past
12. Victorious March of Reign the Conqueror
13. Drum Check
14. Born Again

Clocking in at over 50 minutes, Heretic is a challenging and multifaceted record that pushes Morbid Angel’s sound to new frontiers. The album opens with Cleansed in Pestilence (Blade of Elohim), a track that sets the tone with its relentless energy and intricate riffs. Enshrined by Grace, one of the album’s standout tracks, is a ferocious anthem that showcases Trey Azagthoth’s innovative guitar work and Pete Sandoval’s inhuman drumming.

Tracks like God of Our Own Divinity and Beneath the Hollow delve into slower, more atmospheric territories, balancing the album’s aggressive moments with haunting melodies and dense layers. The instrumental interludes, including Abyssous and Memories of the Past, add an experimental edge, offering a glimpse into the band’s more avant-garde tendencies.

The album concludes with Born Again, a track that encapsulates the record's themes of destruction and renewal. It’s a fitting end to an album that feels like a journey through darkness and chaos, ultimately arriving at a sense of rebirth.

Heretic is a divisive album, but for me, its experimental approach makes it a fascinating chapter in Morbid Angel’s discography. Tracks like Enshrined by Grace and Cleansed in Pestilence capture the band’s technical prowess and raw power, while the atmospheric pieces like Place of Many Deaths add depth and contrast.

Although some listeners might find the album’s structure and inclusion of interludes challenging, these elements contribute to its unique identity. The record feels like a labyrinth, filled with unexpected twists and turns, making each listen a new experience.

Overall, Heretic is an ambitious and polarizing album that stands as a testament to Morbid Angel’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of death metal. For fans of the genre, it’s an essential listen that offers both brutality and experimentation in equal measure.