DEADNERVE - UNTO DEATH (EP Review)

DEADNERVE - UNTO DEATH Released: December 1, 2023LineupTerrence Kilner // VocalsOliver Welch // Guitar/VocalsDaniel Horvat // GuitarJamie Jaques // BassAlec Leeuwendal // DrumsOnlineFacebookInstagramLinkTreeSince 2021, DEADNERVE has been propelling into success (and our ears). With a slurry of singles under their belt, all honing in on their unique and riff-driven song construction, as well as a number of opening positions for some seriously class acts, the band are no strangers to dominating space and showcasing what they have to offer to new prey. After years of grinding, the Brisbane metalcore outfit bears one of the first gifts of December; the release of their debut EP, UNTO DEATH. Alluring yet unnerving, emotionally personal yet inviting, and universally adaptable, the six tracks of the EP explore both previously released singles and new tracks from the band. In this space, DEADNERVE solidifies their stance- and one they have been working so hard for. Now, right up there with their stage presence and ability, their debut EP sees their recorded talent reach the same feats with a poise that introduces an exciting take to the very dichotomous genre at hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myZ7tCmz030Pre-established single ‘VOLATILE (WASTE)’ throws the listener into the whirlwind that is the EP. And whether you are familiar with the song already, or if it's your first listen, you will be thrown into DEADNERVE’s spin cycle regardless. A tantalizing riff creeps you from a land of safety into the band's expressive gutturals that are so delectably inviting despite their ferocious outward presentation. So too, it is the little elements in this track that begin to truly elucidate the moments that capture your attention within the band's formula. From sharp, industrial sounds, to the harmonic cleans that soar elegantly and softly among the head-spinning riffs, DEADNERVE are, at their core, a band of layers that are waiting to be peeled back upon each listen. It’s a song that gets you excited, both about what is to come on the EP, and the band itself. The motion created ceases to slow down with the arrival of track two, ‘THE FIXATION’, a perfectly jolty and charismatic track. Also utilizing the talents of Diesect’s Damien Bigara, there are new things to love around every corner. For me, what prevails in this track the most are not merely the moments of collateral chaos, but the unwavering strength that soars in moments of silence, sharp breaks, or brief and isolated instrumental buildups. It is these moments that truly add so much more. Like clockwork, the dual vocals trance in an enraged but solid partnership that belts with no mercy. Between the steep drops and unnerving takeaways, this song builds its own persona; one that is cruel and captivating. Slowly descending to a haunting ending, ‘THE FIXATION’ is truly a standout, and once again elucidates DEADNERVE’s informed creative choices that will leave the listener on their toes for their very first playthrough.

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‘MY BURDEN’ follows, capturing with roaming, siren-like fuzz. It is here that Kilner’s vocals present in their most gruesome and dichotomous way yet, scraping the depths of hell and soaring back up, grasping briefly at the cleans alongside him. Compostionally, I find my attention being drawn to this song the most vocally, with such an emphasis on the showcasement of vocal ability and skill. However, that is not to ignore the ever-layered instrumentals, abundant riffs and inescapable drums that do not just create a foundation for the song, but a soundscape that fosters the, at times, palpable tensions of the story world and musical environment. Shifting their vocal lineup only earlier this year, a track like ‘MY BURDEN’ solidifies many of the choices made for the group. Yet another single and the namesake of the EP, ‘UNTO DEATH’ appears next. Perhaps the most familiar-sounding track on the EP, the song fosters an invitingness through such aspects. But despite this, there is never a complete and utter comfort or safety to be found within DEADNERVE’s approach, and such a reaction will have you suffering greatly mere moments down the track. ‘UNTO DEATH’ finds its strength in an industrial-like breakdown with edged guitars and sharp instrumentation that throws out almost a wail-like scream in moments. What I have noticed within much of this EP is the ease in which an essence of evil lurks within the tracks, a haunting little specter that roams not within the cliche of the genre, but within the darkest of emotional tribulations and overarching themes that consume the body of work. Not overdone but always prevalent, DEADNERVE laced the EP with many shiver-down-your-spine moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35nM_ymq3EUThe last of the singles is found within ‘STRATUS’. Adding to the EP’s already shifting soundscape, this track tones back its verses to peel back some of DEADNERVE’s most vulnerable vocals and the largest display of cleans within the body of work. Enduring through themes of neglect, hopelessness, and anxiety, ‘STRATUS’ becomes a direct auditory representation of its subject matter. Spiralling through a journey that emulates the isolation (moments of clean vocals), along with the despair and pleading (through the most expressive and raw screams thus far). This track in itself is an assertion of DEADNERVE’s position as storytellers, using not only their lyrical abilities, but stylistic choices as artists to create representations of feelings and situations, creating a tangible listening experience that permeates through your very soul. The EP concludes with the cinematic ‘HONOUR AMONG SERPENTS’. The simplest way to describe this track is energy-infused… so much so it spills out for its entirety. Sharp and swirling instrumentals, tasteful bleghs, all soaring through crafted layers, leave no room for the mind to wander. There is so much going on, yet it is all so incredibly well balanced, allowing each element its own essential moment to shine or prove its worth. DEADNERVE has proven within these tracks that they are in command, and there is not a moment where the listener will be led astray or be cast with a wandering ear, and I think that is truly a testament to their artistry and bold creative choices. ‘HONOUR AMONG SERPENTS’ is one of the most exciting songs they have released to date, and it is even more enticing considering its position as the final track. Hitting out UNTO DEATH with a bang, DEADNERVE has left absolutely nothing to the imagination as the guitars ring out one final time. UNTO DEATH is an exploration of creativity, packed to the brim with constructive chaos, an unwavering will to try something new, and a confidence that in turn, has created one of the most exciting metal-adjacent EPs of the year. So close to the end of the musical year, DEADNERVE has seemed to save the best until last. What prevails throughout the six songs of the EP is a consistent energy, excitement, and electricity that can only be bred from the drive of a band seeking to solidify their refreshing identity in an environment they have been so strenuously chipping away at for so many years. UNTO DEATH is a must-listen, and sees DEADNERVE put their best foot forward to present to you, one of your new favourite bands.

DEADNERVE – UNTO DEATH EP tracklisting1. Volatile (Waste)2. The Fixation feat. Damien Bigara of Diesect3. My Burden4. UNTO DEATH5. Stratus6. Honor Among SerpentsRating 9/10UNTO DEATH is out now. Stream it hereReview by Georgia Haskins@ghaskins2002 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HryCztbm77Y&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwallofsoundau.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title