Deadlands-Evilution

Massacre Records
2013

 
On "Evilution", the full-length debut album from Sacramento, California-based act Deadlines,  it's a toss-up what will get more press-will it be whose in the band (among others you have one time Vicious Rumors lead vocalist Brian O’Connor) or who all shows up as a guest (Merciful Fate's Hank Shermann for example). Formed in the summer of 2010, and playing a heavier style of power metal that often borders on thrash, the band is filled out by lead guitarist Michael J. Gardner (The Council), lead guitarist Kevin Rohr (Spectre), bassist Steve "Dedbass" Northam and drummer Danny Sablan (HateFX, The Council). Since forming they've shared the stage with the likes of Exodus, Anvil, Y&T, Great White (really?) and Death Angel so that says something about their ability to adapt and appeal to a wider audience range. While the band certainly steers closer to Exodus than a band like Y&T there is a remarkable about of talent with the highlights being the one-time Vicious Rumors vocalist and the guitar duo. And then there are the guest musicians Deadlands managed to snag. As hinted at there are a lot of excellent musicians who stop by to lend a helping hand besides just Hank Shermann. While the promo material doesn't let on who plays on what track-wise the band is aided by Michael Denner (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), Claudeous Creamer (Dragonlord), Mike Wead (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Glen Alvelais (Forbidden, Testament, HateFX), and Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Forbidden). Not to shabby at all. The album was mixed and mastered by the band themselves along with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) at Trident Studios. Originally this one appears to have been released on Molten Metal Records in 2012 with Massacre Records releasing an edition that contains a bonus cover of "The Last in Line" by Dio. For whatever reason though my promo version doesn't have that cover which is a shame. Still, a quick look over at Amazon affirms that it is on the 2013 re-release so that should be considered another incentive if you're looking for new power metal/thrash. As it's well-crafted and well-executed there isn't much not to appreciate about "Evilution" other then perhaps a feeling of sameness you can get from a few of the songs. Still, Deadlands looks like a band with promise and one to keep an eye on down the road.