"Heaven Born and Ever Bright" is the third studio album by the British rock band Cardiacs. The album was released in 1992, two years after the band members experienced a significant line-up change. This was the first album to feature Bob Leith and Jon Poole after Tim Quy and Sarah Smith's departure.
The album faced a challenging production due to Tim Smith's (the vocalist and guitarist) reluctance to go to the studio. Along with the unconventional recording methods, financial issues were prevalent during its creation. These issues eventually led to the bankruptcy of their record company, Alphabet Business Concern.
"Heaven Born and Ever Bright" retains Cardiacs' signature style, an ingenious blend of progressive rock, punk, and pop. The songs are marked by the band's complex musical compositions and intense performances, juxtaposed with playful and eccentric elements, exemplified in tracks like "Goodbye Grace" and "Day Is Gone." This album is often noted for its particularly manic style and dark undertone. Despite the band's hardships during the production, it was met with positive reviews, demonstrating Cardiacs' capable resilience and unique creative approach.
Regrettably, public reception was mixed, partly due to the turbulent time in the band's career. Over time, the album has gained cult status among fans and stands as a testament to Cardiacs' unique, uncompromising vision.
