EP REVIEW: Seven – Deadlands

Kasey Karlsen attracted a social media following in 2022 posting music covers on social media. As she gained traction, she teamed up with her long-time best friend CJ Arey, and they started working on writing music that would become DEADLANDS. They released their 2022 EP, Sentence of Myself, and quickly earned themselves a fanbase, playing at the likes of festivals such as Aftershock, Louder Than Life, and Christmas Burns Red. Now with their new EP, Seven, the duo take on each of the seven deadly sins and how euphoric it can feel to tackle those issues head on.

Opening song Villain deals with pride and kicks the EP off with a bang. Karlsen can switch from angelic vocals during the chorus to the harsh screams during the verses, whereas Arey blends all the instrumentals and makes it sound effortless. Die In Paradise focuses slightly more on the melodic side of the duo, whilst not forgetting about their heavier side. It’s a great way to keep the EP sounding fresh, especially as some electronic elements are thrown in.

MORE! continues the incorporation of electronica, Limbo is an electronic-rock song that shows a softer side to DEADLANDS, whereas Kundalini is one of the heaviest songs on the EP, with frantic violins, moody electronic-rock instrumentals and some of the best death-growl vocals as well. On paper, it sounds like a mess, but DEADLANDS make it sound effortless. It is an amalgamation of the EP so far, and it keeps the EP sounding consistent.

The final two songs are Wither and House of Cards. The former is a moody, fast-paced metal song that will translate well live with its fantastic vocals and dark instruments, and the latter is a heavy electronic-metal song that brings the EP to a very satisfying close. It has everything that has been shown throughout the EP, yet it sounds perfect and brings it full circle.

Lyrically, DEADLANDS have expertly tackled the seven deadly sins. Their lyrics aren’t didactic; instead, they are subtle and can be applied to any situation. The duo work perfectly together, and this EP proves it.

Overall, Seven is a fantastic EP. Even though they are still early in their career, DEADLANDS are quickly proving to make a name for themselves. Their EP is a fantastic blend of genres, which never overwhelm each other; instead, they compliment each other. Furthermore, the lyrics are subtle and can be applied to any situation, although the concept of the seven deadly sins works very well. It is clear that the duo is confident in their sound and themselves. Seven is easily the EP of the summer and DEADLANDS are a name to watch.

Rating: 9/10

Seven is out now via Spinefarm Records.

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