Dead Heat Process Of Elimination Review
Dead Heat
Process of Elimination
Metal Blade Records
2025
Crossover thrash. For the newcomers, the genre is defined as “a fusion genre of thrash metal and hardcore punk. The genre emerged in the mid-1980s, when hardcore punk bands such as Suicidal Tendencies, Cryptic Slaughter, Corrosion of Conformity, and Dirty Rotten Imbeciles began to incorporate the influence of thrash metal.” (Wikipedia) That, my friends, is exactly what we are dealing with in West Coasters Dead Heat’s latest full-length, The Process of Elimination. Hot off the heels of 2023’s Endless Torment EP, the band returns with a new label home (frickin’ Metal Blade!) and 11 ferocious new songs.
Dead Heat are a six-piece band, and their lineup is comprised of Justin Ton – rhythm guitar, Ricky Garcia – lead guitar, Chris Ramos – vocals, Yogie Rodriguez – drums, Vincent Amador – bass/rhythm guitar, and Lorence Chanch Meraz – bass. Their newest platter was produced by the band with Paul Fig (Deftones, Trivium, Jerry Cantrell). The first thing that jumps out at me is that instead of the sterile, quantized, and compressed template that some newer bands employ, Dead Heat's mix is a bit more raw and less polished. The whole album has a more old-school analog feel, and every instrument benefits from the “live from the floor” vibe. It's loose, organic, and energetic. Musically speaking, you can hear heavy influences from old Sepultura, Slayer, and in some instances, Leeway, Cro-Mags, and prime Dark Angel. The record is speedy and guitar-forward, peppered with electronic/keyboard soundscapes between a handful of songs to give us all a break here and there. Monstrous mosh riffs and very skilled lead work abound.
The songs are all properly acerbic and socio-political in nature, so this ain't your typical party thrash or extolling the virtues of “the hardcore scene,” as some tend to do. Dead Heat has something to say with more substance lyrically here, and that is a welcome addition. With a runtime of 32:21, the proceedings wrap up quickly and leave nothing to chance. From the beautiful acoustic intro crashing into the raging opener “Perpetual Punishment,” to the skanking “Annihilation Nation” speeding headlong into “Hidebound,” these are the perfect three songs to introduce the unsuspecting world to Dead Heat. After that, I'm honestly just going to be listing my personal favorites. Those are easy. “The Order” caught my ear with its jumping, grooving, Coroner-like snaking riffs and bouncy tempo. “Solace Denied” was another standout with its chunky, building intro, tremolo-picked guitar sections, and absolutely devastating breakdown ending. The title track flirts with death metal at its onset to morph into a chugging marcher with Slayer histrionics. The closer “Hatred Bestowed” is the winner here for me, as it shifts from mid-tempo plod to another ethereal acoustic piece halfway through before bringing things to a melodic outro. It's also worth mentioning the vocals of Chris Ramos, as he employs a reverb-drenched approach between a more intense Tom Araya-like yell and John Tardy (Obituary)-near growl, which just adds to the feelings of anger captured throughout.
Dead Heat are an extremely capable band, and they write enjoyable, catchy modern crossover thrash songs without biting any styles directly. While they aren't breaking any new ground, they add enough twists and turns and trim all the fat from their arrangements to make them a worthy and fresh addition to the genre. Get these guys on a four-way tour with Species, Condition Critical, and Germany’s Darkness STAT. I don't think the U.S. or overseas audiences are ready for THAT bangover. Process of Elimination is a bona fide ripper, and I'm stoked to see what these cats concoct next.
RIYL: Power Trip, Slayer, Anthrax, Havok, Sacred Reich
~TB