The Moshville Times - Montreal heavyweights Deadwood drop new EP ‘Rituals of a Dying Light’

Montreal heavyweights Deadwood drop new EP ‘Rituals of a Dying Light’

If you prefer your music with a serious side of aggression, you might want to turn your attention to Montreal. Canadian bruisers Deadwood have just unleashed their brand new EP, Rituals of a Dying Light, via Innerstrength Records, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

The band, who formed in the shadow of the pandemic back in 2020, have adopted the motto “Make Deathcore Angry Again”. It’s a bold claim, but judging by the five tracks on offer here, they are putting their money where their mouth is. Blending the technical precision of death metal with the raw, vindictive energy of hardcore, the EP draws on influences ranging from Meshuggah and Whitechapel to the groove-laden power of Pantera.

Thematically, the band isn’t writing about sunshine and rainbows. The new record dives into proper dark history, tackling subjects like the Salem witch trials and the reign of Jack the Ripper. It was recorded, produced, and mixed by the band’s own guitarist, Fred Element, at EMNT studio in January 2025.

There is a slight change in the personnel department to note. While the current touring lineup features vocalist Derek Heynekemp (reuniting with Element from their days in Malaga), the vocals on this specific recording were actually laid down by Martin Demontigny. It makes for an interesting listen, capturing a specific moment in the band’s evolution.

Having already toured Japan and the US, and shared stages with the likes of Born of Osiris, the band is currently tearing up stages across Canada. However, the good news for us on this side of the Atlantic is that Deadwood are gearing up for their first European run in 2026. No specific dates have been dropped yet, but we’ll keep you posted when they are.

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You can stream or pick up the EP now via Inner Strength’s Bandcamp page.

Rituals of a Dying Light Tracklist: