SPILL FEATURE: GROWING AND EVOLVING – A CONVERSATION WITH DEADLANDS

GROWING AND EVOLVING

A CONVERSATION WITH DEADLANDS

When we embark on a challenging journey to exorcise the very struggles that weigh us down, each person navigates the path to healing in their unique way. Whether it’s through the invigorating energy of exercise, the serene solitude found in nature, or the cathartic release of sharing our burdens with others, we all grapple with these unfiltered feelings in methods that ultimately enable us to rise above stress, anxiety, doubt, and trauma that entrap us.

For the dynamic duo known as Deadlands, this processing of deep-seated emotions is translated through their distinctive sonic lens. Their music is imbued with magnetic melodies, relentless hooks, immersive production quality, and a fierce metalcore presence that captivates listeners. The New York-based pair made their mark with their debut EP, Sentence of Myself, released in 2022, a bold collection that pushed the boundaries of aggressive and unconventional sounds, laying the groundwork for their latest, fiery offering: SEVEN.

This new EP not only symbolizes the maturation of their sound but also showcases a band unafraid to push the limits of their already intricate and rich sonic landscapes. With each track, Deadlands’ new EP is a powerful emotional journey, further solidifying their place within the evolving tapestry of metalcore.

“I mean, in terms of growth, we have been working really hard on so many avenues. People don’t see behind the scenes how much work we have put into this, expresses Kasey Karlsen, lyricist and vocalist. “Like, as we speak, and even just last week, was our stage and light show. We have a brand-new light show. Even just in terms of improving our techniques as musicians, we are always looking to get better, to grow as individuals, as artists, and as musicians. I think our 2022 release, Sentencing Myself, to now has just been a gigantic improvement on everybody’s part. It’s just been really cool to see, and it seems like everybody’s been really digging it. So, we’re just happy for the next chapter.”

PURCHASE SEVEN

Deadlands SEVEN showcases their creative synergy with an impressive lineup of collaborators, including but not limited to Andrew Wade (known for his work in A Day To Remember and Wage War), Justin Deblieck and Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills), Anthony Lopardo (Loss Becomes), and the edge and dynamic sound of The Pretty Wild. These collaborations only broadened the album’s vision intricately orchestrated by Kasey and Deadland’s guitarist producer CJ Arey, expertly aligning each track with the Seven Deadly Sins: wrath, pride, envy, sloth, gluttony, greed, and lust. With the goal to transport listeners from the present world, SEVEN is meant to put the context of the madness of everyday life, while taking a journey to another world instrumentally.

“This EP, specifically, was our first EP signed to a record label ever. You know, I’m 22, CJ is 25, so we are very young and still have time to evolve and grow,” says Kasey. “With that being said, like we wanted it to be, very experimental from anything we have done. Most importantly, as much as I still think we have a sound, we’re still trying to find our signature sound. There is definitely a semblance of a sound, but, you know, it grows, it changes, and it evolves, and we’re still in the process of finding who we really are, and I think that is just a part of life musically and outside of that. Every day is another way to rediscover yourself, and that is what we tried to implement in SEVEN.”

Lyrically, their previous EP, Sentence Of Myself, dives deep into the intricate themes of fate, self-sacrifice, and the revelation of hidden truths that lie just beneath the surface. In many respects, much like their diverse and eclectic sound first introduced in Sentence Of Myself, SEVEN continually unravels layers of complexity, boldly overcoming limitations while simultaneously acknowledging the weight of the past. This latest work compels one to look beyond our immediate selves within a multifaceted context, confronting both the unfiltered and the uncomfortable aspects of existence. As one navigates through these varied realms of self-reflection, there is a profound wave of catharsis that liberates us from the fears that restrain us, allowing all the authentic parts of our being to blossom and flourish.

“I have been on a mental health journey for a long time. Before I was on my journey, CJ had his, and I feel like he has evolved so much from the CJ that I first met,” Kasey admits. “The CJ now and the CJ then are two completely different people, but he has evolved for the better. I’m still very young, and I still have some work to do on myself. We all do, but to see how much he’s changed, and how he has looked at his flaws in the face all these years and really turned around for the better and really benefited not only himself, but also his relationships as a whole, is really inspiring to see. Writing the lyrics, in the back of my mind, I am always working for myself. Now I’m pulling out the ugliest parts of me, putting them on paper, and essentially locking them away in this EP. Then sharing it with the world is something that I feel like needs to be done, just for growth in myself, in other people, and the purpose of that is for people to self-reflect on themselves, and be okay with themselves, but also do better and be a better person day in and day out.”

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