Quickly skyrocketing up the scene with their knack for bringing together vicious metalcore riffing and massive hooks, Deadlands returns with their second EP, SEVEN, and their first for label Spinefarm. For those new to their game, the Long Island-based duo of vocalist Kasey Karlsen and multi-instrumentalist CJ Arey have been swirling in the same mix of genre-blur that modern metalcore has been exploring more over the last few years. Deadlands’ particular take on this modern metal format is one that maximizes Karlsen’s incredibly wide range of vocals, from extreme to elegant, and isn’t afraid to step outside of metal’s usual box to give listeners a thrill.
SEVEN, as the title suggests, is a conceptual effort based on the seven deadly sins. While it may be a topic that’s familiar in metal circles, chances are that you haven’t heard it done in the way that Deadlands has executed here. Each of the seven tracks reflects it’s ‘sin’ and gives it a suitably individual characteristic. While you can lump the term ‘metalcore’ at Deadlands, it doesn’t quite cover all the bases. Opener “Villain” pridefully starts things off with sharp contrasts. Karlsen snarls, roars, and growls her way through the upbeat and catchy riffing and then it explodes into a catchy chorus that could easily find it’s way into modern rock radio with it’s almost danceable undertones. The gluttonous “MORE!” rides off of such a massive main groove that it’s hard to shake off just how catchy the song is. Those rolling grooves eventually lead into a pulverizing breakdown led by Karlsen’s roar, illuminating a powerful contrast as it moves back into another chorus that’s all but guaranteed to get the listener moving.
As another highlight, “Limbo” takes the usual ‘lust’ aspect and turns it into a more melancholic and gloomy affair. The song has more of a pensive take compared to some of the earlier steamrolling tracks, offering an almost depressively dreamy atmosphere that occasionally raises the stakes into heavier territory, but with more of a controlled chaos vibe. To oppose that is “Kundalini,” which features The Pretty Wild as guests and turns the envy into a throttling and genre-blurring mix of ferocious metallic riffing, hip hop energy, and shining pop hooks that is sure to turn some heads and get them moving effortlessly. “Wither,” as sloth, slows down the tempo considerably compared to much of the album but what it loses in speed it gains in massive heaviness. The riffing is some of the most standout on the EP, as it sneaks in some disorienting feelings with it’s off-kilter riffs, chunky grooves, and Karlsen’s gutturals coming to the surface to provide a pummeling feeling that never relents. The upbeat grooves and soaring choruses come back once more to play with closer “House of Cards,” pairing with some aggressive downbeat riffing that fuels the wrath, giving it an anthemic close that will cause many to go back to the start immediately to hear it again.
One can argue that there are a number of metallic acts trying to expand themselves into more of a mainstream eye. But arguably few can pull it off as well as Deadlands has here with SEVEN. An explosive combination capable of capturing some genuinely destructive and heavy moments and blends them with soaring, addictive melodies that sink in and don’t let go, their outside the box formula should be able to draw them as many fans within the genre as they do outsiders. For those who seek modern or boundary-pushing metal, SEVEN is one of the finest examples of it so far in 2025.