Damien Deadson - NEW!
Described as ‘the moniker and brain-child’ of Ryan Helm, Damien Deadson is all about self empowerment, getting respect, pushing personal limits, giving a helping hand to those who are in need and destroying those who deserve to be, as well as being a band we’ve checked out before. Now primed with their new album, Crown Me Destroyer, Ryan has once again touched base to check out what we think of things. Seeing as how blown away I was the last time I checked out his stuff, I was looking forward to seeing what was on offer from this latest release, so cranked on the record, turned up the volume and prepared myself for what I was about to hear.
Kicking off with 15 Years Of Hate we’re propelled straight into a rolling melee of hammering drum work, roaring vocals and distorted guitar lines, the mix forming something intensely heavy from the word go. Deep and powerful as it progresses, the sense of distortion doesn’t ease back, continually pushing the boundaries of raw power whilst keeping a sense of melody burning deep within the sound, it’s a mix that’s going to ignite pits, get venues pumping and keep you listening from start to finish. The Full Extent Of Revenge continues this approach with aplomb, this time easing back on the speed to fully accentuate the power of the track but keeping the signature outlook of Ryan at the forefront of things. Differentiated speeds bolster the track, resulting in something which verges on hardcore at times, yet at other times simply sticks to that straight up ‘metal’ outlook, a stand out track to make sure you check out.
All Hail The Great Destroyer takes this approach to a whole new level, once again slowing things down yet somehow sounding even more evil and heavy than before. Deep and distorted throughout, the rolling bass drum which fades in and out accentuates the powerful guitar work and bass heavy rhythms, all paving the way for the melodic chorus which the track revolves around. Packed with hooks, this track shows off the diversity at hand here, demonstrating that it’s possible to combine heavy and soft when the moment presents itself, and that Damien Deadson can do it damned well indeed. Soon moving on to the deep and sludgy riffs of Welcome To The Void, the onslaught of power continues, sticking to the heavy and groove orientated mix which Ryan is so capable of producing, and offering up a sound that’s impossible to resist. Straight up raw throughout, this is another track which stands out as a serious high point on the album, and a moment which screams of single potential.
Progressing on through the extreme outlook of The Fire Sent Me, the nu-metal edged The Light Bearer, the slow and sludgy Black Dog and the altogether more melodic moments of Star Of The Sea, each track presents a slightly different outlook and approach, demonstrating a serious understanding of music and how to put it together. This ability to diversify on an album whilst keeping a sense of continuity rolling throughout is something that sets Damien Deadson apart from the crowd, presenting us with reason after reason to keep listening.
Once again sticking to the more melodic approach for First Born Curse Borne (Die Toten Sohn) we’re presented with yet another outlook, this time a melodic track packed with electronic approaches, as well as those signature guttural vocal lines. Chunky guitar work combines with the roaring vocal lines and bass heavy rhythms to present us with a track which seems custom built for the live scene, the sort of thing that’s going to get people moving, jumping and loving every second of what they’re hearing. It’s only then left to We Grew Through Darkness to close things, fading into being before unleashing the full fury of the band once again. Slow yet supremely powerful throughout, the deep distortion of the final moments here hammers home the final message, signalling the end of the album but the beginning of the future, a future where Damien Deadson are a serious force to be reckoned with, and a band we can’t afford to ignore anymore.
I’m always stuck with Damien Deadson as to how to refer to them/him – being the brainchild of Ryan. Whatever the case, Ryan has put together one hell of an album here, pushing the boundaries of metal and showing how heavy and raw it can sound, whilst at the same time keeping that sense of accessibility rolling through things to ensure that the listener is kept on board throughout. If you’ve not checked out Damien Deadson, then now is your time – get on it!
To find out more about Damien Deadson, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking off with 15 Years Of Hate we’re propelled straight into a rolling melee of hammering drum work, roaring vocals and distorted guitar lines, the mix forming something intensely heavy from the word go. Deep and powerful as it progresses, the sense of distortion doesn’t ease back, continually pushing the boundaries of raw power whilst keeping a sense of melody burning deep within the sound, it’s a mix that’s going to ignite pits, get venues pumping and keep you listening from start to finish. The Full Extent Of Revenge continues this approach with aplomb, this time easing back on the speed to fully accentuate the power of the track but keeping the signature outlook of Ryan at the forefront of things. Differentiated speeds bolster the track, resulting in something which verges on hardcore at times, yet at other times simply sticks to that straight up ‘metal’ outlook, a stand out track to make sure you check out.
All Hail The Great Destroyer takes this approach to a whole new level, once again slowing things down yet somehow sounding even more evil and heavy than before. Deep and distorted throughout, the rolling bass drum which fades in and out accentuates the powerful guitar work and bass heavy rhythms, all paving the way for the melodic chorus which the track revolves around. Packed with hooks, this track shows off the diversity at hand here, demonstrating that it’s possible to combine heavy and soft when the moment presents itself, and that Damien Deadson can do it damned well indeed. Soon moving on to the deep and sludgy riffs of Welcome To The Void, the onslaught of power continues, sticking to the heavy and groove orientated mix which Ryan is so capable of producing, and offering up a sound that’s impossible to resist. Straight up raw throughout, this is another track which stands out as a serious high point on the album, and a moment which screams of single potential.
Progressing on through the extreme outlook of The Fire Sent Me, the nu-metal edged The Light Bearer, the slow and sludgy Black Dog and the altogether more melodic moments of Star Of The Sea, each track presents a slightly different outlook and approach, demonstrating a serious understanding of music and how to put it together. This ability to diversify on an album whilst keeping a sense of continuity rolling throughout is something that sets Damien Deadson apart from the crowd, presenting us with reason after reason to keep listening.
Once again sticking to the more melodic approach for First Born Curse Borne (Die Toten Sohn) we’re presented with yet another outlook, this time a melodic track packed with electronic approaches, as well as those signature guttural vocal lines. Chunky guitar work combines with the roaring vocal lines and bass heavy rhythms to present us with a track which seems custom built for the live scene, the sort of thing that’s going to get people moving, jumping and loving every second of what they’re hearing. It’s only then left to We Grew Through Darkness to close things, fading into being before unleashing the full fury of the band once again. Slow yet supremely powerful throughout, the deep distortion of the final moments here hammers home the final message, signalling the end of the album but the beginning of the future, a future where Damien Deadson are a serious force to be reckoned with, and a band we can’t afford to ignore anymore.
I’m always stuck with Damien Deadson as to how to refer to them/him – being the brainchild of Ryan. Whatever the case, Ryan has put together one hell of an album here, pushing the boundaries of metal and showing how heavy and raw it can sound, whilst at the same time keeping that sense of accessibility rolling through things to ensure that the listener is kept on board throughout. If you’ve not checked out Damien Deadson, then now is your time – get on it!
To find out more about Damien Deadson, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Damien Deadson
We were recently contacted by Ryan from Damien Deadson of Winston, Salem, to see if we could get something posted about the band and their music. Describing the band as having enough power to power a fleet of panzer tanks, these guys fuse progressive metal with powerful groove orientated riffs – which promises to be something pretty darned awesome!
Opening with The Nothing one thing becomes immediately clear, this is no nonsense stuff! Opening with some groove laden riffs backed by some almost syncopated drums, the music immediately pulls you in by the throat and drags you along for the ride. Launching into a sublimely melodic and harmonic chorus section, the contrasts these guys create in their music are quite simply phenomenal, there’s heavy to keep the heavy fans satisfied and then melodic to calm the whole thing down – great stuff. Continuing to add in different elements to keep the music interesting and alive, the track is full of little surprises from lead lines, pounding bass rhythms and hammering drums, all the time keeping the sense of melody central to the mix. The vocals steal the show towards the end of the track, hitting one hell of a high note without any loss of power before kicking into a guitar solo, then back into a roaring section underpinned by that riff once again. As the track closed I was left with one very simple question in my mind, how are they going to follow this?
A Night Sea Journey follows on, launching into a much more solid pounding riff on the guitar whilst the drums pound away in the back ground – the opening is almost dramatic after the last track. Soaring vocals lead the way this time, keeping everything clean and to the point letting the music do the talking through the rolling drums and solid bass line. As if to contrast against things, the vocals soon turn into a roar to build into the chorus, before kicking back into those cleaned up lines. Musically, there’s almost a Fear Factory edge at times to the guitar, bass and drum combo, at times kicking into Trust Company like melodies but all the time retaining a sense of uniqueness. The highlight of the track for me though is once again the vocals – this guy can sing, roar, scream – you name it he seems to be able to do it with aplomb! Challenges of Change follows on, opening with electronic sounds backing up the riffing guitars and bass lines before kicking into a rolling section of roaring vocals, rolling drums and pounding guitar lines – this is circle pit territory right here! Much heavier than previous tracks at first, soon the melodic edge is found again through a broken down section of cleaned up vocals and soft guitars, before contrasting the different vocals against one another in a dual layered section – the sound is quite simply massive. The track finishes as it starts, massive, loud and something which will make you hit that volume up button time and time again.
Power Soak comes in next, fading into a funky edged riff underpinned by some pounding drums before bringing in different levels of vocals to add further depth. Don’t be deceived by the opening though, soon your thrust head first into a rolling section of double bass drums, solid guitars and fast paced vocals – this is amazing! As if a complete contrast to the previous tracks, this is seriously well put together solid music, it’s fast, heavy, melodic and straight down the line. I think this is my favourite track from the selection sent through purely for the pace which they maintain on the drums – bravo indeed! Burning Sorrows Part 1 – Heartbreak soon takes over the lead, kicking into a more syncopated mix of rolling drums and solid guitars, all pushed home by roaring vocals. This track is another example of how talented a band this is, every instrument is right there in the mix to be heard but they also all work exceedingly well together, creating a sound which will shake you to your soul, definitely one to check out.
Righteous Pursuit of Revenge opens much sludgier and dark than the previous tracks, the rolling drums adding depth to the distorted riff and raw vocal line. Keeping the vocal line almost jumpy at times, the riffing guitars power the track onwards, keeping the drums heavy and to the point throughout out whilst the guitar and bass lines rove around the necks of the instruments. Before long you too will be chanting along with ‘we’re coming for you’ at volume and banging your head along with the beat. Bursting into a stranger section in the middle of the track featuring haunting laughter and knife sharpening, the track ends with almost death metal vocals and a slowed down riff – you wanted heavy, you got heavy! Patterns of Progress carry on the heavy theme of the previous track, opening with a riff fading in and some pounding drums, straight away the tone is set dark and dirty. The vocals are once again raw and edgy to open, creating a mash up of everything you could possibly want from a track like this. Speeding up and creating a sound which is almost chaotic at times, the chorus takes over the lead and once again introduces a sense of harmony to proceedings, again I can’t help but sit back and marvel at how these guys can combine such heavy raw power with such clean and harmonic lines, it’s incredible.
I Am Power finishes the selection of in style, opening with an almost Korn style riff before kicking into a funky beat laden section of guitars and bass, the vocals kicking in with pure downright raw power. This track will leave you with no doubt in your mind that this is something which you’re going to go back to again and again. The track once again contrasts against itself drawing in death metal vocals, rolling drums, chanted lines and funk laden riffs, the whole experience ends here for now, but not for long.
I didn’t know what to expect from Damien Deadson if I’m honest, they’re one of those bands who don’t give a lot away in their name. As such, I went into this music very open to what I was about to hear and no entirely sure what it would present, but what I’ve been faced with is something far beyond anything I could have expected. Soaring vocals, heavy riffs, rolling drums – it’s all here and ready to go. I for one would love to get out to see these guys on the live scene to see if the music can be reproduced on that front, if it can, then wow – these guys are going places. Based on the recordings alone though – personally – I can’t wait to hear what they come out with next because based on this, there’s some serious ability here!
To find out more about Damien Deadson, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Opening with The Nothing one thing becomes immediately clear, this is no nonsense stuff! Opening with some groove laden riffs backed by some almost syncopated drums, the music immediately pulls you in by the throat and drags you along for the ride. Launching into a sublimely melodic and harmonic chorus section, the contrasts these guys create in their music are quite simply phenomenal, there’s heavy to keep the heavy fans satisfied and then melodic to calm the whole thing down – great stuff. Continuing to add in different elements to keep the music interesting and alive, the track is full of little surprises from lead lines, pounding bass rhythms and hammering drums, all the time keeping the sense of melody central to the mix. The vocals steal the show towards the end of the track, hitting one hell of a high note without any loss of power before kicking into a guitar solo, then back into a roaring section underpinned by that riff once again. As the track closed I was left with one very simple question in my mind, how are they going to follow this?
A Night Sea Journey follows on, launching into a much more solid pounding riff on the guitar whilst the drums pound away in the back ground – the opening is almost dramatic after the last track. Soaring vocals lead the way this time, keeping everything clean and to the point letting the music do the talking through the rolling drums and solid bass line. As if to contrast against things, the vocals soon turn into a roar to build into the chorus, before kicking back into those cleaned up lines. Musically, there’s almost a Fear Factory edge at times to the guitar, bass and drum combo, at times kicking into Trust Company like melodies but all the time retaining a sense of uniqueness. The highlight of the track for me though is once again the vocals – this guy can sing, roar, scream – you name it he seems to be able to do it with aplomb! Challenges of Change follows on, opening with electronic sounds backing up the riffing guitars and bass lines before kicking into a rolling section of roaring vocals, rolling drums and pounding guitar lines – this is circle pit territory right here! Much heavier than previous tracks at first, soon the melodic edge is found again through a broken down section of cleaned up vocals and soft guitars, before contrasting the different vocals against one another in a dual layered section – the sound is quite simply massive. The track finishes as it starts, massive, loud and something which will make you hit that volume up button time and time again.
Power Soak comes in next, fading into a funky edged riff underpinned by some pounding drums before bringing in different levels of vocals to add further depth. Don’t be deceived by the opening though, soon your thrust head first into a rolling section of double bass drums, solid guitars and fast paced vocals – this is amazing! As if a complete contrast to the previous tracks, this is seriously well put together solid music, it’s fast, heavy, melodic and straight down the line. I think this is my favourite track from the selection sent through purely for the pace which they maintain on the drums – bravo indeed! Burning Sorrows Part 1 – Heartbreak soon takes over the lead, kicking into a more syncopated mix of rolling drums and solid guitars, all pushed home by roaring vocals. This track is another example of how talented a band this is, every instrument is right there in the mix to be heard but they also all work exceedingly well together, creating a sound which will shake you to your soul, definitely one to check out.
Righteous Pursuit of Revenge opens much sludgier and dark than the previous tracks, the rolling drums adding depth to the distorted riff and raw vocal line. Keeping the vocal line almost jumpy at times, the riffing guitars power the track onwards, keeping the drums heavy and to the point throughout out whilst the guitar and bass lines rove around the necks of the instruments. Before long you too will be chanting along with ‘we’re coming for you’ at volume and banging your head along with the beat. Bursting into a stranger section in the middle of the track featuring haunting laughter and knife sharpening, the track ends with almost death metal vocals and a slowed down riff – you wanted heavy, you got heavy! Patterns of Progress carry on the heavy theme of the previous track, opening with a riff fading in and some pounding drums, straight away the tone is set dark and dirty. The vocals are once again raw and edgy to open, creating a mash up of everything you could possibly want from a track like this. Speeding up and creating a sound which is almost chaotic at times, the chorus takes over the lead and once again introduces a sense of harmony to proceedings, again I can’t help but sit back and marvel at how these guys can combine such heavy raw power with such clean and harmonic lines, it’s incredible.
I Am Power finishes the selection of in style, opening with an almost Korn style riff before kicking into a funky beat laden section of guitars and bass, the vocals kicking in with pure downright raw power. This track will leave you with no doubt in your mind that this is something which you’re going to go back to again and again. The track once again contrasts against itself drawing in death metal vocals, rolling drums, chanted lines and funk laden riffs, the whole experience ends here for now, but not for long.
I didn’t know what to expect from Damien Deadson if I’m honest, they’re one of those bands who don’t give a lot away in their name. As such, I went into this music very open to what I was about to hear and no entirely sure what it would present, but what I’ve been faced with is something far beyond anything I could have expected. Soaring vocals, heavy riffs, rolling drums – it’s all here and ready to go. I for one would love to get out to see these guys on the live scene to see if the music can be reproduced on that front, if it can, then wow – these guys are going places. Based on the recordings alone though – personally – I can’t wait to hear what they come out with next because based on this, there’s some serious ability here!
To find out more about Damien Deadson, check out their Facebook page HERE.