Dead End Irony – Battles and Brotherhood

Dead End Irony
Battles and Brotherhood
Label: Inverse Records
Out: 30. May 2025
Playtime 43:27

The Heavy Metal band Dead End Irony was founded in Imatra (Finland) back in 2010. Through years of hard work, they became a fixture in their home country. Although there were a few line-up changes, the core group remained together throughout the years. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that the band released a demo with four songs. Three years later, they released their first EP, ‘Into the Void’, also with four songs. Various singles followed. But it wasn’t until fifteen years after the band was founded that their debut album, ‘Battles and Brotherhood’, was released.

‘Fight!’ starts off very anthemic. Shortly afterwards, the Finns really get going. Drums and galloping riffs drive Vesa Winberg, who sings with a slightly rough voice. There is also a powerful, fast-paced guitar solo. Hard-hitting riffs introduce “Patton”. Gradually, drums and bass join in. The tempo has been slowed down considerably for this anthem. The rhythm makes you want to nod your head. The guitar solo is also much calmer and very melodic. With ‘King Of Emptiness’, the tranquility is over. Fast riffs and guitar leads, accompanied by powerful drumming. However, the tempo of the opener is not reached. Towards the end, some slightly distorted spoken words can be heard, as was the case on the previous track. ‘Day Of Reckoning’ then moves back into high-speed realms. ‘Rise Up For The Light’ is the next Power Metal anthem, with great guitar leads. The refrain is sure to be sung along loudly at live shows. ‘Gone’ is a riff-driven mid-tempo stomper. Once again, the listener is encouraged to bang their head. And to sing along again. Shortly before the end, there is a breather for musicians and listeners alike. ‘Catch My Soul’ is a beautiful power ballad where you can enjoy Vesa’s outstanding vocals. During the solo, you feel as if the guitar is literally singing. The album concludes with the monumental work ‘Razor Gods’, which is just epic at a little over eleven minutes long. But in terms of sound, too, we hear an epic masterpiece. The song starts ballad-like with acoustic guitars and occasional bass sounds. And very calm vocals. After a brief shift into the anthemic realm, it becomes quieter again. The second excursion into Power Metal heaven lasts considerably longer. And about halfway through, we find ourselves in the high-speed realm. Fast guitar riffs and driving drums now predominate. Added to this is a powerful bass melody, which is replaced by a guitar solo. But variety is the name of the game. Anthemic and ballad-like sections end the song. For me, this is the absolute highlight of the album.

‘Battles and Brotherhood’ is a shining moment of Heavy Metal. Here, fans will find everything they could possibly expect from this genre. High-speed metal alternates with grand anthems and powerful Power Metal songs. And of course, there is also a ballad on the album. Dead End Irony have produced an outstanding debut album. Good things come to those who wait. ‘Battles and Brotherhood’ is the best proof of the truth of this old German proverb.

Dead End Irony – Catch My Soul: https://youtu.be/JbbXfj3yozo?si=ElDYP7X03hsdfyRU

Lineup:

Simo Jokela – Lead guitar
Antti Pekonen – Drums
Kristian Valkama – Guitar
Antti Vainio – Bass
Vesa Winberg – Vocals

Tracklist:

• Fight!
• Patton
• King Of Emptiness
• Day Of Reckoning
• Rise Up For The Light
• Gone
• Catch My Soul
• Razor Gods