Heretic

Heretic emerged from Los Angeles among the numerous groups that first attracted attention through Metal Blade's Metal Massacre series, specifically its seventh installment. The band explored an intermediate zone linking thrash, speed, and power metal across its two releases. Its 1987 EP Torture Knows No Boundaries showcased the original vocalist Mike Torres, while the 1988 LP The Breaking Point presented new singer Mike Howe. Guitarists Brian Korban and Bobby Marquez, bassist Dennis O'Hara, and drummer Rick Merick completed the lineup on both projects, neither of which achieved notable commercial traction. Today the group is recalled mainly as a minor entry in heavy metal annals, although multiple later ensembles have adopted the same name. Heretic disbanded once Howe accepted an offer to succeed David Wayne in Metal Church, which enabled Korban and O'Hara to join Wayne in forming the band Reverend.