Heaven Shall Burn's latest cd, Iconoclast opens with an extremly soft, atmospheric intro that is rather typical of the metalcore genre overall. Fortunately, the band kicks in the albums opening track 'Endzeit', with such an extreme dose of over the top aggression, that the played out intro is all but forgotten within the first five seconds of the aural equivalent of a deliberate boot to the throat.

The layered vocals also lend to the band's new level of aggression, which is in line with what's going on in the metal scene overall. It may not be entirely original, but within the context of every band's own sound, it either enhances things, or makes them sound like a complete rip off. And once again, Heaven Shall Burn come out on top, as it doesn't sound entirely like any one band that has done the same thing.

Another positive factor about this album, when compared to the band's previous outings is the added dynamics to the band's overall sound. There is the signature Heaven Shall Burn sound, only this time, it's enhanced by actual tempo shifts, and some thrash oriented speed. Whereas previously, the band became rather boring with their continuous mid-paced attack, this time around, the influence of swedish melodic death metal has permeated the band's sound, and it only makes for an even better album from a band that was always one step away from truly shining....until now.

Iconoclast is Heaven Shall Burn's shining moment. Though the band members are still relatively young, and have many years to continue to improve their skills, this album will manage to stand up years from now, as a defining moment in modern German extreme metal.

While bands like Caliban continue to mellow and incorporate more melody, Heaven Shall Burn has done the exact opposite. Iconoclast is without question their heaviest output to date. Heaven Shall Burn have done more than simply crush their peers with this release. They've also ultimately ensured that they're no longer lumped in with the stagnant, over-saturated metalcore scene. Call it deathcore, or whatever you please....with the multitude of styles that HSB incorporates, 'Iconoclast' is nothing if not Extreme.