Review Summary: If we were to describe the Deadpass sound in a few words, it would be “skillfull destruction”. What we hear on their EP, AS1, is music made with weapons of precision.
In the recent years, from a melting pot of strong-willed metal bands, very few have stood out to show a genuine identity and distinctive roots. Formed in 2013, Deadpass is a promising new band with just the right kind of potential. Their new EP, AS1, is a collection of five songs previously recorded at Splitpoint Studios, operated by Deadpass’ own Gene McCrimmon and Colton Krohn, now re-imagined with the help of producer Dave Otero.
If we were to describe the Deadpass sound in a few words, it would be “skillful destruction”. What we hear on their EP, AS1, is music made with weapons of precision.
The EP begins with “Triple 666”, which has both guitarists, McGrimmon and Krohn show off their soloing skills. The song features a catchy main riff as well as a very accentuated bridge, marked by psychedelic screams from vocalist Brian Gray. Overall, Triple 666 leaves the impression that the band had the urge to get some energy out of their system before they got to work. It is, basically, the sharpening of the knife before “Subliminal Straitjacket”.
The transition into the second track is smooth, and Straitjacket quickly proves that the guys have their rage under control. This song is explosives encased in plexiglass. You get to see the beautiful colors and walk away unharmed. Lyrically, we get an awakening that means business and the guitarists’ dives sonically raise the flag throughout the song. This track is perhaps the one that best defines their sound.
Blood of the Damned brings thundering intensity. There’s thirst in the beginning of the song, which has an almost Sabbathesque ambient. What follows is a proud march, pushed forward by drummer Tommy Strange and bassist Lane Dennison. Vocalist Brian Gray presents a rasp-coated singing voice in the punchy chorus. By the end of the song, we have to admit, Blood of the Damned paints a picture. It’s here that Deadpass show their songwriting range.
The fourth track, War Torn, sneaks up on the listeners with its intro riff. It has an interesting micro-structure on each section, held together by tight rhythm and careful anticipation. While, lyrically, the message initially appears to be a “bigger than the world”, “it’s time to wreak havoc, boys” metal cliche, Gray makes good use of the spoken passage in the second part of the song to turn energy into statement. War Torn ends up standing somewhere in line with SlipKnot’s Gematria.
6 Bullets: 1 Reason ends the record. “Cut the tension with a wrecking ball” is quite likely the most memorable line we’ve heard so far from Deadpass. It will come back to you the next day along with the riff that compliments it. A set of quick, slicing dives brings AS1 to conclusion and the impression made is a positive one: a respectable effort ; a band to come back to.
After enjoying the five songs a few times, we can say that the guys are not far from achieving a well-polished style and that we appreciate the production quality. These guys know the times they live in and producer Dave Otero helped them put out a sound that won’t be instantaneously dismissed by your average YouTube-browsing listener. We expect only progress from the Wyoming metalists. Here’s to putting Casper, WY on the rock and metal world map!
AS1 is a confident introduction with a firm handshake. Give it a listen and you’re bound to remember the name: Deadpass.
