This second DISTORTA EP "Deadman" is a real treat. The band is based in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. DISTORTA is a Heavy Metal band that has been around since 2016 and the EPK that accompanies the music states that they are renowned for their intense blend of Groove and Death Metal influences. Well, I can tell you that not one word of that description is a lie or in any way or form besides the truth. Because if one thing is clear from the start is that the Heavy Metal that I am listening to is catchy as well as serious. The latter is mainly due to the use of the Death Metal side of the music. But what impresses me more is the fact that the Groove that DISTORTA incorporates into their sound is able to make light work of giving you music that is Heavy and Melodic in the same moment, without on the one being in the way of the other.

I haven't heard their 2023 debut EP "A Devil In The Dust",  but after having undergone just over 20 minutes of "Deadman" I am very interested to see and hear for myself whether the band has made progress in those two years. What I find a bit demoralising, though, is the fact that a band that has such an accessible and pleasant sound, combined with proper compositions that have resulted in good songs, hasn't been recognised by more people until now. Let's hope that with the help of their record company WormHoleDeath DISTORTA will be able to reach more Metal afficionados this time.

I already mentioned that I do feel that DISTORTA has done good on "Deadman". The songs are all short enough to be to the point, but also long enough to give you an inkling at how they are able to build up their tunes. For me personally I feel that this combination really works. Not only is this rather good musically, the voices used are done in such a fashion that it all sounds exactly right when asked for. What it does for me is put a smile on my face, as DISTORTA is able to demonstrate that you can make an Extreme form of Metal without only being angry, disillusioned, desperate or desolate during that whole process. Nope, "Deadman" is proof that DISTORTA makes the sort of Extreme Metal that can also be lots of fun to make for a band. And for us as the receivers to listen to.