Dead Heat - Endless Torment

I am not sure what Nardcore is, but I know I like it. Dead Heat from Oxnard CA returns with a pulverizing EP entitled “Endless Torment.” Made up of Chris - Vocals, Tony - Guitar, Yogi - Drums, Jnut - Guitar, and Vince - Bass, these thrashers are poised to own the #crossoverthrash music scene for years to come. But does Endiess Torment deliver the firepower?
Props to Triple B Records for putting some money behind this EP. Endless Torment was recorded at Captain Quarters Studio in Ventura, California by Armand John Anthony (Night Demon) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Municipal Waste, Kreator) with cover art by Hayden Hall, known as “Sick Slice” (Devil Master, Gatecreeper). With plenty of name recognition the EP kicks off with Endless Torment and immediately reminds me of an early Metallica and Power Trip collision. The riffs are frantic and harken back to the 80’s. The guitar tones are full and cutting. Simply put, the opener is arguably the best song Dead Heat has put forth. Want proof? At 3:20, just try to not smash anything in arms reach! You can’t!
Smite Thee has a title that Khan from Star Trek might come up with. But the reference to Star Trek ends there. There is more of a punk/hardcore vibe with this beast. The guitar solos in the track are precision. The gang vocals hit hard and Chris bleeds for all to see. Authentic.
Eyes of The Real is my favorite track. It has a huge riff that chugs with the best of them. The gong only accentuates the tasty bleeding beef that is waiting to be devoured. The speed in the middle is a circle pit waiting to happen while Chris barks as a maestro over the crushing insanity. A guitar solo with a clear Rizk touch will delight fans of 80’s thrash. A taint tickler of a song.
As someone who grew up on Metallica, Slayer, SOD, Nuclear Assault, Overkill, among others, it would is clear to me that Dead Heat has taken notes from the past, mixed influences from Power Trip and created a monster that is all theirs. Big things are coming for these “nards!”

9 out of 10: a must listen for any fan of heavy music. Listen closely, there is a lot to hear in five tracks.

-Derek