Montreal’s DEADWOOD To Release ‘Rituals of a Dying Light,’ on Innerstrength Records

Montreal (QC) – Canadian bruisers, Deadwood, have signed to Innerstrength Records! The band is set to release new EP, Rituals of a Dying Light, on January 6, 2026.

A music video for the EP’s first single,”Heretic,” is available at:

“Heretic” can also be found on the usual streaming platforms, including Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Deadwood uniquely blends death metal and hardcore to create a modern deathcore sound. Known for their heavy music and dark lyrics, their motto is “Make Deathcore Angry Again.” The band aims to evoke terror and fear through their music, ensuring their performances are unforgettable.

Most importantly, the music of Deadwood caters to enthusiastic metalheads who crave pure brutality and violence.

The EP’s second single, “Tales of Masscacre,” is set to be unleashed with lethal intent on October 17.

Track Listing:

1. Tales of Massacre
2. Heretic
3. Thirst for Blood
4. Whispers of Death
5. Echoes of the Fallen

Music and lyrics by Deadwood.
Recorded at EMNT studio January 2025.
Produced by Fred Element.
Mix and mastering by Fred Element.

Formed in the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Deadwood quickly carved out a place in the heavy scene with their dark, unrelenting sound. The lineup unites seasoned veterans: guitarist Fred (ex-The Plasmarifle, ex-Ion Dissonance), guitarist Stéphane (ex-Nova Spei, Iron Maiden tribute), drummer Charles (ex-Dismayd, Discovrey Through Tourment), and vocalist Derek, reuniting with Fred after a decade since their days in Malaga.

Drawing from the ferocity of Meshuggah, the brutality of Whitechapel, and the groove-driven power of Pantera, Deadwood delivers crushing riffs and haunting atmospheres steeped in true dark histories—from the Salem witch trials to the reign of Jack the Ripper.

Their catalog includes the EP Nemesis (2022), EP Inhuman (2023), and standout singles “Straightblade” (June 2023), “Djinn Pitts” (March 2024), and “Heretic” (April 2025). Known for their commanding live presence, Deadwood has toured Japan with Humanity’s Last Breath and DVRK, stormed U.S. stages in 2025, opened twice for Born of Osiris in Montréal, and shook the grounds of Inkcarceration Festival 2025.

Currently on tour across Québec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, Deadwood is gearing up for their first European run in 2026 — bringing their brand of dark, murky heaviness to stages worldwide.