Heretic (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Brian Korban, Rick Halpin, Scott Patton, Merick Abrajano, Mike "Towers" Torres |
| Defunct | 1988 (initial split) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2011 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs, compilations |
Heretic is a Los Angeles-based American heavy metal band established in 1984. The band produced two albums under Metal Blade Records and supported tours alongside well-known heavy metal groups. Following their split in 1988, lead singer Mike Howe became a member of Metal Church, while other musicians formed the band Reverend.
In 2011, guitarist Brian Korban reunited with former vocalist Julian Mendez to revive Heretic, culminating in the release of a second full-length record in 2012.
Early years (1984–1988)
Heretic originated in Los Angeles toward the end of 1984, founded by guitarists Brian Korban and Rick Halpin, bassist Scott Patton, drummer Merick Abrajano, and singer Mike "Towers" Torres. Shortly after formation, Halpin and Patton were replaced by Bobby Marquez and Dennis O'Hara. After appearing on the Metal Massacre Vol. 7 compilation issued by Metal Blade Records, Torres was succeeded by Julian Mendez. This lineup released the Torture Knows No Boundary EP in 1986 and performed live with prominent heavy metal bands in their local scene.
By the end of 1986, Mike Howe took over vocal duties from Mendez. The band’s album Breaking Point was released in 1988 via Metal Blade Records, shortly before Howe departed to join Metal Church, leading to Heretic’s dissolution. In 1989, O'Hara and Korban established Reverend alongside former Metal Church vocalist David Wayne. Metal Blade later issued a compilation titled Don't Turn Your Back!! & Breaking Point in 1991.
Reunion and later activity (2011–present)
Heretic was reassembled in 2011 by Korban, O'Hara, and Mendez, with guitarist Glenn Rogers from Hirax joining the lineup. The band cycled through several drummers such as Federico Dupay, Jason Rosenfeld (an early member of Anthrax), and Ignazio Coppola. Bassist Daniel Cordova (formerly of Vengeance Rising) briefly filled in for O'Hara during the "2011 Metal Massacre" mini-tour before Angelo Espino—previously with Reverend and Hirax—assumed bass responsibilities. Their sophomore album, A Time of Crisis, was released in 2012.
In 2013, Metal Blade issued a comprehensive 3-CD box set that included the Breaking Point album, the Torture Knows No Boundary EP, additional bonus tracks, as well as a live DVD featuring performances from 1985 and 1986.
The band’s third studio effort, A Game You Cannot Win, was unveiled in 2017.
In 2024, Heretic was spotlighted in the documentary film Don't Turn Your Back: The Story of Heretic.
Members
- Current lineup
- Brian Korban – guitar (1984–1988, 2011–present)
- Julian Mendez – vocals (1986, 2011–present)
- Stuart Fuji – guitar (2014–present), keyboards (session musician 1988)
- Angelo Espino – bass (2012–present)
- Sean McCormick – drums (2018–present)
- Past members
- Merick Abrajano – drums (1984–1988)
- Mike Torres – vocals (1984–1986)
- Rick Halpin – guitar (1984–1986)
- Scott Patton – bass (1984–1986)
- Dennis O'Hara – bass (1986–1988, 2011)
- Bobby Marquez – guitar (1986–1988)
- Mike Howe – vocals (1986–1988)
- Glenn Rogers – guitar (2011–2016)
- Federico Dupay – drums (2011)
- Jason Rosenfeld – drums (2011)
- Ignazio Coppola – drums (2012–2013)
- Dave Chedrick – drums (2014–2015)
- Daniel Cordova – bass (2011)
Discography
- Albums
- Breaking Point (1988), released under Metal Blade and Roadrunner
- A Time of Crisis (2012), issued by Metal on Metal
- A Game You Cannot Win (2017)
- Box Set
- From the Vault...Broken and Tortured (2013), a 3CD collection from Metal Blade
- EP
- Torture Knows No Boundary (1986), distributed by Metal Blade and Roadrunner
- Compilation
- Don't Turn Your Back!! & Breaking Point (1991), under Metal Blade
- Compilation Contributions
- Metal Massacre Vol. 7 (1986)
- Compendium of Metal vol 5. (2012)