While many think of Friday the 13th as unlucky, music fans know the reality. This Friday the 13th happens to be bringing some highly anticipated releases.
One such release is Stalked by Daemons by State of Deceit.
Out next Friday on Eclipse Records, the debut album from the UK metal band is the long awaited follow up to their 2019 debut EP, Retribution.
But like all good things, the wait between the debut EP and the debut album is worth the wait.
Founded by Jonathan Russell (rhythm guitars) who is joined by Peter Scammell on lead vocals, Gareth Jones on lead guitar, Davide Santini on bass and backing vocals, and Matthew Toner on drums, State of Deceit has created a monster debut album.
Opening with the blistering fast and anthemic, “Endure My Fate”, the song sets the pace for the album. That pace just so happens to be a non-stop pummel on the senses from the beginning to end.
But it’s an assault that is welcome, especially if you’re a metal fan, perhaps not if you’re a country fan.
I would say, the only breaks one may have are during the song breakdowns, but I’d be lying. They themselves are beautifully brutal, harmonic, and pit worthy.
Each song is hooky as hell be it the impenetrable drums, unforgivingly savage guitar riffs, chest rumbling bass, or the harsh vocals, there is something within each song that will catch the listeners ear and hold onto them for the entirety of the song.
Slow at the beginning, “Hate Within” and “Suffer” both lull the listener into a false sense of calm until they are slugged in the ears. Again, it’s a good thing.
But it’s the bass in “At What Cost?” that makes this the stand out track for me. The song shows that a bassline can be both brutal and funky at the same time. It provides a wonderful foundation for the heavy guitar riffs and caustic vocals.
When it comes to debut anything – song, EP, album, etc – they can make or break a band, but for State of Deceit, their debut album Stalked by Daemon shows that even a “new” band can be seasoned and ready to take on the heavy weights of the genre with ease.
Stalked by Daemon by State of Deceit proves that metal isn’t just vicious growls and feral breakdowns, but that it’s also copious with harmonies, funky bass, groove laden drums, riffs and vocals that entice for days on end.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Endure My Fate”, “Hate Within”, “Suffer”, “At What Cost?”, “Digital Tattoo”,
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “At What Cost?”, “Digital Tattoo”, “Mark of the Whale”
Pre-save / Pre-order: Stalked by Daemons.
