Bay Area thrash metal veterans HEATHEN have announced their fifth studio album, Lifetime in Hell, set for release on February 19, 2027, via Napalm Records. The record marks the band’s first full-length release since 2020’s Empire of the Blind.
Alongside the announcement, HEATHEN have unveiled the album’s first single, “Escapegoat,” accompanied by an official music video. The track delivers the band’s signature combination of aggressive riffs, technical precision, and melodic songwriting, blending classic Bay Area thrash with a modern production approach.
Vocalist David White comments on the new single:
“‘Escapegoat’ is a song that has been a long time in the making. It takes you on a journey through intense riffing and heart-pounding drum rhythms and is the first piece of the puzzle we wanted you to experience as a glimpse into the intensity and bigger picture that we feel this album will bring. Our goal was to make the greatest HEATHEN album to date, and we can’t wait to hear your response!”
Guitarist Kragen Lum explains the concept behind the accompanying video, which explores society’s dependence on distractions and escapism:
“We live in an increasingly superficial and plastic world, surrounded by artificial images, endless distractions, and expectations that can sometimes become too much to handle. We look for every opportunity to escape — to disappear into doom scrolling, binge watching, gaming, drugs, alcohol, and anything else that gives us a momentary release from the weight of reality.”
HEATHEN return with Lifetime in Hell
Produced by Zeuss at Planet Z, whose previous credits include HATEBREED, MUNICIPAL WASTE, and SHADOWS FALL, Lifetime in Hell features 11 tracks showcasing HEATHEN’s technical musicianship and relentless thrash metal sound.
The album also features a guest appearance from guitarist Jeff Loomis on “Glass House,” while drummer Jason Bittner contributed drum performances during the recording sessions.
Speaking about the album, White states:
“After touring extensively around the world in support of Empire of the Blind, we’ve spent the last year or so recording whenever we could make it happen, and we’re finally finished with this new album! We’re very proud to announce Lifetime in Hell.”
Formed in 1984, HEATHEN established themselves as an influential force in the Bay Area thrash scene with their early releases Breaking the Silence (1987) and Victims of Deception (1991). Their upcoming album continues that legacy, combining the speed and technicality of their classic material with contemporary production.
Lifetime in Hell tracklist
- One Last Mistake
- Escapegoat
- Glass House (feat. Jeff Loomis)
- Sanity Charade
- Lifetime in Hell
- Goddess of the Light
- Demons Making Trophies of Men
- The Bitter End
- Darkness Bleeds
- Respite for the Damned
- Exit Strategy
North American and European tours announced
HEATHEN will close out 2026 with a North American tour alongside FORBIDDEN and VOID, beginning October 23 in Las Vegas and concluding November 22 in Los Angeles.
The band will also bring the tour to Florida, performing in Winter Park on November 12 and Destin on November 15.
In February 2027, HEATHEN will return to Europe for a rotating triple-headlining tour with EXHORDER and EVIL INVADERS, followed by UK performances with EVIL INVADERS in March.
Lifetime in Hell arrives February 19, 2027, through Napalm Records and will be available on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital formats.