Dead Heat is a California-based band. After forming in 2016, they caused a stir in the underground scene with their 2019 debut album, “Certain Death.” Following the release of their second album, “World at War,” in 2021, their latest effort, “Process of Elimination,” is hitting the shelves these days.
The new album features eleven crossover songs, a hybrid of hardcore and metal. Compared to their previous two albums, the newest addition to their discography has a higher percentage of metal influences. Bands like Sepultura, Slayer, and Pantera have impacted Dead Heat’s music, which is evident in each of the tunes on “Process of Elimination.”
We begin with a song called “Perpetual Punishment.” It opens acoustically but quickly turns into a massive riff attack. Chris Ramos’s hoarse shouts and the raging rhythm of the opener are fundamental pillars of the album. The opening track is fast as an arrow. This raw start leads to “Annihilation Nation,” which is slower. Grooving elements come to the forefront and serve as the driving force of these tunes.
While lyrically addressing a wide range of topics, it’s clear that the band is against racist bigotry, touching on social problems and the political abuse of power. A rebellious spirit fuels the music of Dead Heat.
With “Seventh Gate,” the six-piece band from the West Coast of America recorded an ominous interlude, followed by the throbbing “DH Stomp.” I really appreciate the groove of this mid-tempo beast. “DH Stomp” is a real headbanger and one of the best songs on the album.The blistering “Solace Denied” is another merciless moment on “Process of Elimination,” and what’s exciting is the flow the album provides. Dead Heat has the ability to hit the sonic strike zone with different pitches. Sometimes furious, sometimes groovy, and always heavy — that’s what makes it entertaining and adds versatility to the genre of crossover metal. Take the closer, “Hatred Bestowed,” as an example of this musical approach. All the elements come together here for a remarkable finale to an excellent album.
There’s a myth that the third album is crucial for a band’s future. If this is true, then we can foresee a great future for Dead Heat. “Process of Elimination” represents stunning songs, an untamed level of energy, and it is the infectious groove that makes it addictive.
Tracklist:
- Perpetual Punishment
- Annihilation Nation
- Hidebound
- The Order
- Enemy
- Seventh Gate
- DH Stomp
- Solace Denied
- By My Will
- Process of Elimination
- Hatred Bestowed
Label: Metal Blade Records
Genre: Crossover
Release Date EU: October 10th, 2025
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