Dead Earth Politics - Men Become Gods
Self released
Progressive Thrash
4 songs (18'15")
Release year: 2015
Reviewed by Alex
Surprise of the month

Austin, TX, Dead Earth Politics managed to surprise me quite a bit on their earlier EP The Queen of Steel. Having learned not to dismiss the band based on the modern thrash groove style description, I felt Dead Earth Politics could be moving in the direction of the early Shadows Fall. Most recent EP Men Become Gods then managed to surprise me even more, announcing Dead Earth Politics are indeed moving, but in the direction all their own, where progressive thrash, power metal and groove comfortably meet.

While never about mindless brutality Dead Earth Politics were always thoughtful with their thrash riffs. On Men Become Gods, they elevate their level further, being progressive, meticulous and very fitting with their riffs. Intricate drumming (title track) or energetic beat (Casting Stones), Dead Earth Politics can be muscular, when they need to be, or provide an awesome gallop, grumbling, grooving and floating all at once. Bass/drum interplays are strong, sometimes changing rhythmic patterns on a dime as in the title track, and even more attention is now paid towards the solos. The latter is a harmonic bridge in Casting Stones, the band is on a heroic bend in the title track, and there is something mid-Eastern in the solo character of Ice & Fire. Well produced, for an independent band, Men Become Gods showcases Dead Earth Politics ever rising level of skill in the guitar department.

Vocally, the band exhibits an earlier dichotomy, with the harsher vocals having a bit of a hardcore edge, but vocalist Ven Scott can actually sing cleanly, not moan, like what many modern metallers do. Further, to pin the band’s genre affiliation on Men Become Gods is damn near impossible. There is some melodic death/thrash, but there is also a lot of classic heavy metal and some power metal influences. Whereas Ice & Fire is the most power metal of the bunch, Crimson Dichotomy is the most progressive, where guitars just restlessly weave, and bass eventually goes bonkers.

To come up with a reference what Dead Earth Politics sound like is a pretty futile task. There is a bit of Metallica and Testament in the title track, while clean singing in that song may remind you of John Bush (Armored Saint). Other moments in Casting Stones sound like Nevermore or Beyond the Embrace. The fact you can’t exactly place Dead Earth Politics is another proof the band is charting a path for themselves, and if the last two releases are any indication they are doing it well.

Killing Songs :
Men Become Gods, Ice & Fire
Alex quoted 83 / 100
Other albums by Dead Earth Politics that we have reviewed:
Dead Earth Politics - The Queen of Steel reviewed by Alex and quoted no quote
Dead Earth Politics - The Weight Of Poseidon reviewed by Goat and quoted 72 / 100
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