Hailing from Oxnard, California, the crossover outfit Dead Heat have put together a new EP, “Endless Torment“, due July, 28 on Tankcrimes and Tripple-B Records.
Pizza Thrash This Is Not
Pulling influences from traditional heavy metal, thrash and hardcore, Dead Heat offer a seamless crossover blend that is sure to get your head banging. Clocking in at 18 minutes across 5 tracks “Endless Torment” gives you just enough to chew on while we wait for their next full length.
Starting off, we have the opening title track, “Endless Torment”. An energetic banger that doesn’t shy away from the riffs and really sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Jumping to the 3rd Track, “Eyes Of The Real”, a fist-pumping headbanger that starts of slow but brings the tempo right back up, transitioning to a face-ripping guitar solo by Justin Ton. The next track (and my favorite) Chris Ramos belts his heart out, giving a memorable performance on “Tears Of The Wolf”, an 80s inspired heavy metal nostalgia-dream invoking all that metal goodness. Rounding off the rhythm section we have solid performances by Vince on bass and Yogie behind the kit; always got to give props when the bass work actually means something by providing depth and layers to the tracks and not just simply duplicating the guitars.
Not An Endless Torment…
When I put this EP in my queue, I was not expecting much as I’ve not had much success with crossover or more specifically, hardcore- it’s simply not my bread and butter. Power Trip was enjoyable; but not for extended listens. I like Cro-Mags and D.R.I from time to time, their albums are short and easily digestible. Dead Heat offer just the right amount of thrash to keep the tracks moving, the right amount of heavy metal to keep it interesting and just enough hardcore that I don’t hate it.
With 2 previous full lengths under their belt, if “Endless Torment” is a preview of what is to come, I’m there for it.
Are you itching to see them live? Well buckle up, cause it’s coming soon. Dead Heat will be playing at this years SUMMER SLAM presented by The Firm Clothing at CORAZON DEL BARRIO on Saturday, August 19th, 2023.
For more info on the event, Brian and Vince interview Nino, the owner of The Firm Clothing and sponsor of Summer Slam on the Metal Swap Meet Youtube Channel. Tickets and event info available here.
For Fans Of: Power Trip, Cro-Mags, D.R.I.
My Rating Scale
1 Star: STAY AWAY. Far away.
2 Stars: Major flaws but you gave it a chance. Destined for the bargain bin.
3 Stars: Overall, it’s okay despite some obvious flaws. Fanboys can get enjoyment out of it it but someone who is more critical may have an issue with it. Buy at a discount or while on sale.
4 Stars: Nearly perfect. A must listen and well suited to add to your collection.
5 Stars: BUY IT NOW, no questions asked. I don’t care if you don’t like [insert genre]
Check out “Endless Torment” below!
| Band: Dead Heat |
| Album: Endless Torment |
| World Wide Release: July 28th, 2023 |
| Split Label: Tripple-B Records and Tankcrimes |
| Favorite Song: Tears Of The Wolf |
If you are so inclined, go check out Brian and Vince interview Kristin of Coffee And Metal
Additionally, new reviews for Sludge Keeper – “Slough of Despair”, Dodheimsgard – “Black Medium Current” and Coffin Mulch – “Spectral Intercession”. Don’t want to spoil too much, but that DHG is already sitting very cozy on my “Best Of 2023” list.
My favorite time of the year is approaching, no its not Halloween, its the MOTHERFUCKING METAL SWAP MEET! On October 21, 2023 be prepared to get blasted with beer, meat and HEAVY METAL at Protector Brewery 8680 Miralani Dr, San Diego CA. 92136. Tons of opportunities to meet new and old friends, thumb through the album racks and pick up that record you’ve been searching for, come and see the unholy and almighty NIGHT DEMON or just stop by my booth and say “hi!” and talk metal.
Stay tuned to the Metal Swap Meet Facebook group as well as this very website for future updates.
Lastly, go check out what SDMETAL.COM recently had to say about the the Metal Swap Meet.