The Heavils - Heavilution

[Victim of Deception]

The Heavils – Heavilution
Metal Blade Records - 2004
By Adam McAuley

It seems that The Heavils have an identity crisis. It's hard to determine whether they're a party rock, nu-metal, blues or punk band, because they show elements of each genre within their music. Can they blend all of these diverse styles into a compelling melting pot, or do they quickly pass by your attention to eventually end up on the shelf and never be seen again? Unfortunately, the answer leans more towards the latter.

The Heavils have a very interesting idea and personality. A quick look through the booklet shows some wacky guitars and similarly-styled lyrics. The quirkiness also carries over into their music, but that's about the only thing that they have going for them. Firstly, the nu-metal sections are generic, boring and have been done even better by some bands within the genre. If an outfit is going to mix different types of music together, why spend so much time with such an uninteresting style?

Secondly, the party rock sections, being some of the most interesting moments on here, are very rare. "Space Heater", for example, is actually a fun little number; why couldn't more songs have been done the same way? The other musical passages are mostly boring, unless present in nifty bridges or interludes, which are generally quite satisfying and break up the omnipresent monotony.

Devin Townsend's name pops up in the production credits and there are some moments that sound surprisingly similar to Strapping Young Lad, but never approach the brilliance SYL sometimes achieves. Overall, The Heavils get credit for trying something different, which is why you see the extra 0.5 points in the final score.

5.5/10

Official Metal Blade website
Official The Heavils website

 

[Dr. Abner Mality]

I think these guys have become one of the more interesting bands around today. Comparisons to nu-metal baffle me, because they are more like an antidote to nu-metal formulaic approach than an imitation to it. I come from their hometown and have seen them develop over the last few years. Their style is truly unique and they've blown many "bigger" bands right off the stage.

I admit I like the buzzier/weirder sound of their first record to the more streamlined version here, but it's hard to go wrong with Devin Townsend manning the boards. Singer Brian Carter has got awesome range. I used to see him in blues and jazz bands...he can handle that style as well as some bone-crushing roars.

I would never claim the Heavils are the greatest or most revolutionary band, but they are showing that you can push the envelope without becoming uncommercial noise.