DEATHBLOW were formed in 2012 and they are from Salt Lake City, Utah. The Thrash Metal/Crossover outfit released two EPs and two full-length albums so far. Their third EP “Open Season” has a length of about 12 minutes. No official video has been released yet. “Open Season” is an independent release. The EP starts with the title track and an extended mid-tempo instrumental part driven by the guitars, transitioning into a fast verse part with powerful guitar riffing and plenty of Hardcore and Punk vibes. The vocals are harsh and vary around the medium end of the vocal range. The chorus parts switch back to mid-tempo and are supported by backing vocals. The highlight of the track is the break with a cool lead guitar solo. “Deny, Defend, Dispose” is a mid-tempo track with tight guitar riffs and crushing basslines. There is a lot of aggression in the riffing and the vocals. Most of the track is driven by the riffing but also the lead guitars, which provide the melodic backbone. It is a direct track with a simple verse/chorus structure.

“Tormentor” raises the pace, and the track starts immediately with the fast verse part. The guitar riffing is tight and aggressive, while the vocals have a few Hardcore vibes. The chorus parts are quite simple with simply repeating the title in the chorus line. There is a short break which features a contributing lead guitar solo. “Tormentor” is a relatively short track, transitioning into the final song of the EP “Never Again”. It is a mid-tempo track and starts with an extended instrumental part, where the guitars introduce the main riff and the melodic framework of the track. The melodies are orientally inspired during the verse and chorus parts, led by the lead guitars. The break is introduced by strong basslines, and it changes the nature of the track in terms of pace, melodies, and vibes as the Hardcore inspirations kick in. However, the track circles back to its initial riffing and the melodies. “Never Again” is an excellent final track and the highlight of the EP.

DEATHBLOW deliver the typical DEATHBLOW sound with four new tracks. “Open Season” is a mixture of Thrash Metal, Hardcore, and Punk. The sound is aggressive with the guitars leading the charge. The vocals keep this sound expertly together and add an additional layer to the tracks. The EP is well produced. Thrash Metal and Crossover fans will like what they hear and hope for a new full-length release of DEATHBLOW soon.