EP Review: Deadlands – Seven (Spinefarm)

New York metal outfit Deadlands (Kasey Karlsen and CJ Arey a.k.a. “NO SHADE”) will release their brand-new EP, ‘Seven’, on June 27th, 2025, via Spinefarm. Exorcising stress, anxiety, doubt, and trauma, ‘Seven’ is a concept EP with each of the tracks within correlating to one of the seven deadly sins.

A diverse record, especially vocally, Seven is the product of a band locked in, writing from the heart and soul, and understanding what a modern metal crowd wants. Which is anthems, heavy anthems, and Seven is filled with them.

Focusing on the sin of pride first, Villain is a stompy opening track that has vocalist Kasey alternate between demonic growls in the heavy verses and soaring cleans, alongside big melodies, in the chorus. A banging start that is matched by the massive sounding pair, Die in Paradise (greed) and MORE! (Gluttony). Both are creative heavyweights, noisy and intense, but with choruses that are so damn accessible.

As good as those tracks are though, Limbo, a song based on the sin of lust and the damage it can do, is something else. Maybe it’s the synth that appeals, maybe it’s the passion in the vocals, or maybe it’s the guitar groove. Regardless, it slays.

The second half of the EP is equally as strong too. Seeing The Pretty Wild guest on Kundalini, a track based on the sin of envy and one with a kickass breakdown, and seeing Deadlands go wild on Wither, a track based on sloth. Before House of Cards (wrath) ends things in chaotic and anthemic style. Deadlands delivering thrilling heaviness and electrifying melodies right up to the end and nailing the concept.

Deadlands – Seven Track Listing:

1. Villain
2. Die In Paradise
3. MORE!
4. Limbo
5. Kundalini (ft. The Pretty Wild)
6. Wither
7. House of Cards

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