Country of origin: United States Location: San Francisco, California Status: Active Formed in: 1984 Genre: Technical Speed/Thrash Metal Themes: Society, Politics, Religion, Death Current label: Nuclear Blast Years active: 1984-1993, 2001-present Not to be confused with: - Heathen (Heavy Metal, most likely from Pennsylvania) - Heathen (mid-'80s Thrash Metal from San Gabriel, California, pre-Caustic Visage) Heathen were formed in 1984 by guitarist Lee Altus and drummer Carl Sacco. Even without a bassist, this line-up played a single gig on April 21st, 1985. Jim Sanguinetti then left to form Mordred and was replaced by Doug Piercy on guitars. Sam Kress, who the other members at the time felt was a better songwriter than vocalist, was kicked out in late 1985. David White of Blind Illusion was then asked to join. Bassist Eric Wong was added in early 1986. The first gig with that lineup took place on February 6th, '86. They recorded the Pray for Death demo in April 1986 and then Eric Wong was replaced by Mike "Yaz" Jastremski from Griffin in mid-1986. This line-up recorded the first album. Carl Sacco was replaced by Darren Minter on drums prior to a US tour that began in January 1988.