Words by Brenden “BodyBag”
When Troubled Souls dropped back in 2022, it was the record that made everyone stop and take notice of Sydney’s own Heists. It had that raw emotion and gut-punch energy that set them apart — a band that wasn’t afraid to blend vulnerability with sheer power. Fast-forward to now, and Heists are back with their latest EP Beneath The Surface — a release that feels like a natural evolution. It’s more melodic, more dynamic, and full of carefully crafted light and shade that takes you on a journey from start to finish.
From the moment Submerged in Pain kicks in, it’s clear the band has levelled up. Chris Zagas’ vocals soar with clarity and conviction, shifting effortlessly between haunting cleans and ferocious screams. Guy Vears, now holding down guitar duties solo, has honed a sound that’s sharp, cinematic, and full of emotion — blending atmosphere and heaviness with real intent. Sean Nevin’s bass and Nathan Fraser’s drumming lock in perfectly beneath, driving everything forward with groove and precision. The track finishes with a breakdown that’s sure to set the pit on fire, giving fans that classic Heists moment of pure catharsis.
Terminal Unrest keeps the pace but adds more shape and texture. The song changes lanes beautifully, moving between bursts of pure intensity and huge sing-along choruses that stick instantly. Guy’s guitar tone carries both grit and grace, while Nathan’s drumming drives every shift in momentum. It’s tight, it’s punchy, and it shows how confident Heists have become in blending melody with heaviness.
Then comes Return to Tragedy — arguably one of the most emotionally charged moments on the record. Chris’s clean delivery is heartfelt and controlled, but when he lets loose, the screams feel like they’re tearing straight from the soul. The dynamics in this track are masterful — soft, introspective verses build into an absolutely bone-crushing breakdown that’ll blow the roof off at their live shows. It’s Heists at their most vulnerable and most ferocious all at once.
Miles Away slows the pace but amplifies the emotion. There’s a warmth in the vocals, a reflective calm in the early passages, and an incredible sense of build as it unfolds. Guy’s guitar work shines — shimmering clean tones evolving into massive layered melodies that feel cinematic in scope. The band also dropped a powerful new video for “Miles Away” on October 3rd, 2025, capturing the EP’s reflective themes perfectly and visually marking this new era of growth.
Everything comes full circle with Black — a moody, atmospheric closer that feels like a slow descent into something darker. The song builds tension with haunting ambience before erupting into one of the EP’s most explosive finales. The breakdowns across the entire EP are brutal yet tasteful, each one carefully placed and packed with emotion. And through it all, the choruses carry so much melody that they’ll stick in your head for days — proof that Heists know how to balance heaviness and hooks with serious finesse.
With Beneath The Surface, Heists have gone deeper than ever before. The aggression is still there, but now it’s tempered with melody, intention, and emotional weight. Chris Zagas delivers his most dynamic vocal performance yet, Guy Vears proves himself a creative powerhouse on guitar, and Sean and Nathan form a rhythm section that’s as precise as it is powerful. This is a band that’s grown from raw potential into refined power.
And they’re not slowing down — Heists are hitting the road for their headline Australian tour this November, bringing these songs to life where they belong: on stage, loud, and in your face.
Tour Dates
Saturday, November 8, 2025: The Lansdowne — Eora/Sydney, NSW
Sunday, November 9, 2025: Black Bear Lodge — Meanjin/Brisbane, QLD
Friday, November 14, 2025: Jive Bar — Tarndanya/Adelaide, SA
Saturday, November 15, 2025: Workers Club — Naarm/Melbourne, VIC
Tickets https://tix.heistsau.com/bts
Beneath The Surface is the sound of Heists fully realising their identity — melodic, dynamic, and emotionally raw. It’s not just heavy; it’s human. With their refined songwriting and commanding live energy, Heists are proving they’re not just another band in the scene — they’re one of the ones shaping where it’s headed next.
⭐ 9/10 — Standout track: “Return to Tragedy”
A perfect storm of melody, emotion, and spine-shattering heaviness.
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🎵 Spotify Playlist: Awaken The Dead One Breakdown At A Time
