Dead Flesh – Dehumanise (EP)
Release Date: 28th April 2024
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Deathcore, Death Metal, Metalcore.
FFO: Whitechapel, Aborted, Cattle Decapitation
Review By: Metal Miguel
Dehumanise is the latest EP from the fierce five-piece deathcore ensemble, Dead Flesh, based in Hertfordshire. Comprised of Rich, Chris, Mike, Adam, and Nelly, this group of seasoned musicians melds their considerable talents to deliver a guttural, powerful sound reminiscent of genre heavyweights like Whitechapel and Aborted. Formed in 2021, Dead Flesh quickly made a name for themselves with their aggressive musical style and explosive live performances. By 2022, they had released their gripping self-titled single and reached the finals in Hitchin’s “Metal 2 the Masses”, proving their mettle in the UK’s vibrant metal community.
Dehumanise offers five tracks of audible assault that dive deep into the abyss of misery and depression, echoing the current dismal state of the world. The EP is not just an artistic expression, but a sonic exploration of the personal and collective struggle, packaged in the relentless energy of deathcore music. The message doesn’t stray from the immense impact of the music, which allows the groove and brutal assault to continue from the first second to the last. The track Bodies Upon Bodies stands out as a fan favourite during live shows and as a potent protest anthem. The band describes it as a confrontation with political leaders’ negligence, especially regarding environmental issues and civil liberties. With its raw lyrical anger and mosh-worthy rhythms, the song captures the essence of the band’s frustration and channels it into a rallying cry for listeners, making it the perfect soundtrack for circle pits and rebellion.
Working with producer Justin Hill, who is known for his work as the vocalist and producer of the very excellent band known as SikTh, he has also worked with fellow UK metal acts such as The Five Hundred, Heart of a Coward and Hacktivist. But now with Dead Flesh, he has crafted a sound that’s not only heavy and relentless but also polished, allowing each guttural scream and guitar riff to hit with maximum impact, which is also a testament to the band and their writing ability and creating such a heavy hitting and anthemic EP.
Their music doesn’t shy away from confronting the darker sides of human nature and societal failures, making Dehumanise an EP that’s as thought-provoking as it is headbang-inducing – if you’re not complaining of a sore neck from the infectious headbanging this EP creates then are you even listening to real metal? The EP is 20 minutes of pure rhythm and groove of epic destruction of your ears, especially at volume.
Dehumanise is more than just an EP; it’s a statement. It’s a visceral response to the times, crafted by a band that’s both aware of its musical roots and intensely focused on the message it wants to convey. For fans of deathcore with a message, Dead Flesh delivers an unapologetically brutal soundtrack to the disarray of today’s world. If the charged energy of their music is any indication, this band is not just playing songs but starting conversations – loud, angry, and impossible to ignore.
(5 / 5)
