Ballarats Distorta has been creating its own brand of modern metal/core since 2016. Their new EP Deadman continues their evolution from their Debut EP A Devil in the Dust where everything is bigger, groovier and heavier.
From opener Deadman that drips and death metal and pure thrash grove. When the War is Over opens with a purely punishing riff that grows and snarls its way into your brain. With its surprising high notes and gang vocals it’s part classic rock and pure underground. Distorta aren’t afraid to mix things up by combining huge riffs as on The Reaper, throw in some breakdowns and squealy bits and you’ve got a track designed for live carnage. The hooks are instantly memorable as is the chorus on The Reaper, Long Way combines melody with the breakdown and some excellent 2/4 thrash-inspired rhythms with flashes of speed and excellent guitar highlights.
Deadman is an EP that carries that unique tough unmistakable Australian edge. For fans of modern metal/core, this is a band to keep both eyes on as they progress into a heavier yet still inherently listenable direction.
Distorta: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: self-released
Category: EP
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Sparky
