Deadwood kicks off 2026 with a new EP.
Signed to Innerstrength Records, the Quebec-based band, consisting of guitarists Fred Element and Stephane Filion, drummer Charles Etienne Lafrance, and vocalist Derek Heynekemp, unveils its EP Rituals of a Dying Light.
Vocals were recorded by Martin Demontigny.
From the very first seconds, Tales of Massacre hits us with a lively rhythm coupled with piercing leads and wild roars, laying the foundations for a virulent Deathcore with raw roots designed to make us bang our heads. The song is fairly simple, offering a few dissonant harmonics to punctuate its beats, making the crushing mosh part the climax before Heretic follows suit, creating a rather heavy atmosphere thanks to an anguished guitar. The riffs continue their merry dance with unrelenting violence, allowing the vocalist to alternate his screams for a bit of diversity, then an avalanche of leads overwhelms us before the rhythm kicks in again, allowing for a solo that takes us back to Thirst for Blood’s Old School roots. Fans of the “MySpace Deathcore” era will be in heaven when they hear the wave of catchy hardcore influences and groovy parts, but the track is short and doesn’t skimp on the means to unleash its full power, finally allowing us a moment of respite during the introduction to Whispers of Death, which ultimately turns into a new wave of rage. The energy of the track is infectious and makes us want to join a raging mosh pit, vibrating to the sound of the band, which is also the most accessible track on the EP, with fairly calm tempo sections before giving way to the disturbing melodies of Echoes of The Fallen and its slow, heavy melancholy, which allows for a long, tortured solo and a few noisy elements that make this last track stand out a little.
Deadwood perfectly illustrates its motto “Make Deathcore Angry Again” with violent compositions rooted in the most aggressive style possible! Between Hardcore influences and vindictive Old School touches, Rituals of a Dying Light is sure to please!
95/100