Deathflux come from Nottingham which may explain why they’re so angry, belting out some incredibly vicious numbers on this, their debut album. The use of single word titles throughout sums up the abrasive blink-and-you’ll-miss-the-punch-in-the-face nature of the songs, and the songs themselves have more kick than a Rock City full of pissed off donkeys.
For your cash you get seven tracks with titles like “Bludgeon”, “Consume” and “Toxin” so don’t expect songs about fairies and unicorns. Unless they’re the kind of fairies that stab you in the eyes, or unicorns that immolate you with their rainbow magic. Musically, the band culls from founder member Tom Clarke’s previous bands Cacodaemonic and Akarusa Yami – the former death metal and the latter more progressive. The resulting cacophony contains low-tuned death riffs with frequent use of progressive’s odd time signatures and swift rhythm changes. On balance, there’s enough of each to satisfy fans of both genres without alienating either. Just so long as you like it heavy.
What makes Deathflux stand out from the norm, though, is the pairing of both twin guitars and twin vocals. Where some bands with two vocalists go for the “opposites attract” method with clean and harsh duelling, Deathflux’s are both pretty abrasive. In most cases where the vocals collide, they’re paired and singing the same lyrics so acting more as a chorus. It’s a simple technique, but it works. What’s more, it’ll work live where a similar effect resulting from studio production would be lacking.
For those who’ve listened to the band’s 2016 EP Bludgeon, Consume, Transcend (available on bandcamp), all three tracks are on here but the mix is very different. These versions are far heavier. The production is clearer, and much of the background trimmings have been stripped away for a more raw sound.
Their live show is apparently something to behold, so grab a copy of the album when it’s out and keep an eye open in case they play near you.
Execrated is out on April 30th and is being released independently.