Album Review: Deadnate – The North Sea (DeadRecords)

Danish progressive metal band Deadnate will release their debut album ‘The North Sea’ on March 25th, 2022 via the band’s label DeadRecords.

There’s a strong sense of isolation within nature on the instrumental introduction of Aurora. A building storm of heavy progressive noise that flows nicely into Downhearted. Where Deadnate get faster and much more aggressive, the vocals arriving to spit fire in post-hardcore style. As the track develops, more of Deadnate’s talents become clear, all while progressive heaviness remains the predominate feature.

From those first two tracks, you’ll have some idea what you’re in for as the album goes on but be prepared for the odd surprise here and there. One being that a lot of the tracks are kept tight and sharp, barely grazing the 3-minute mark on some occasions. Fascinatingly, it’s still more than enough time for Deadnate to unleash a bevy of instrumental challenges. Egged on by vocals that alternate between throaty and ferocious, and smooth and clean.

Variety is what makes this a special album and something that stands out from the rest of the progressive metal camp. A title track that is wild and uncouth, Northern Lights being a blend of chunky intensity and vitality-infused technicality, WaVeS pounding away with atmospheric and melody-tinged heaviness, and Cold Star’s groovier rhythm that collapses under a mountain of savage roars.

Then we have the 2 longest tracks on the album. The 2 tracks that pass the 6-minute mark, Winter and Feral Madness. Both epics in their own right, but both quite different. The former, splaying the riffs around in a more traditional metal style before transforming into something with moodier vibes. The latter, chaotic and intensity, filtered through an undeniably high level of imagination.

A debut that is sure to make some waves.

Deadnate – The North Sea Full Track Listing:

1. Aurora
2. Downhearted
3. The North Sea
4. Winter
5. Northern Lights
6. WaVeS
7. Worshippers
8. Epitaph
9. Cold Star
10. Feral Madness

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