EPK – Deadwood – Rituals of a Dying Light (2026) (Innerstrength Records)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“For fans of Meshuggah and Whitechapel, this EP is the darkest Deadwood has to date. We are very proud of it, and it is a big step in the next chapter of the band. It was all recorded and mixed at EMNT studios, and came out amazing. Lyrically about horror and real-life stories, it gives a bleak and heavy listening experience” – Deadwood
For fans of Whitechapel, Despised Icon, Meshuggah, Chelsea Grin, Thy Art Is Murder
Band: Deadwood
EP Title: Rituals of a Dying Light
EP Release Date: January 9, 2026
Label: Innerstrength Records
Genre: Deathcore
Location, Montreal, QC, Canada
Linktr.ee/Deadwood.band | Deadwoodmetal.com | Facebook.com/deadwood666 | Instagram.com/deadwood_bd | Youtube.com/@Deadwood.666
Deadwood666.bandcamp.com | Spotify
“If you ever wondered what Al Swearengen might listen to if he was living in modern times, here’s your answer, c*********. Montreal’s Deadwood have been around town for a decade now, and pride themselves on evolving into a more savage animal with each release. In December, 2022, they released Inhuman, an EP that is hell bent on making deathcore brutal again.” – Metal Sucks: Deathcore in the North – 10 Canadian Deathcore Bands
https://open.spotify.com/track/14AnrSiVTWFuFIB73qb9Tz?si=f64de011f78e44dc
Band: Deadwood
EP Title: Rituals of a Dying Light
EP Release Date: January 9, 2026
Label: Innerstrength Records
Genre: Deathcore
Location, Montreal, QC, Canada
Track Listing:
1. Tales of Massacre – (2:48)
2. Heretic – (4:22)
3. Thirst for Blood – (2:49)
4. Whispers of Death – (4:06)
5. Echoes of the Fallen – (3:35)
EP Credits:
All songs performed by Deadwood
All songs written by Deadwood
Produced-Mixed-Mastered at EMNT studios
Album Artwork by Noah Zark
Album Lineup
Fred Element – Guitar
Stephane Filion – Guitar
Charles-Etienne Lafrance – Drums
Martin Demontigny – Vocals
Live Lineup
Fred Element – Guitar
Stephane Filion – Guitar
Charles-Etienne Lafrance – Drums
Derek Heynekamp – Vocals
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About The EP Artwork:
It’s a dark piece that lets you make your own thoughts on it, while giving a dark and creepy vibe.
About the EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
This is a concept EP; lyrically, all the songs are horror stories inspired by real events or urban legends. The goal with this one was to make the band go in a darker direction. Musically, we wanted to become more extreme, faster, and heavier. It is the first time we do solos and have lots of lead guitar sections, bringing a new dimension to our sound. The songs are catchier, and we spent more time on the songwriting for this release. It is a step in our next direction and a taste of things to come.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. Tales of Massacre is a song about the Salem witch trials. We wanted to dive into real events and real-life horrors. It gives the song a dark and creepy atmosphere on top of the brutality. The song is a step in our next direction, more brutal, aggressive, and technical. It has faster parts, but also the groove and the heavy parts that people know us for.
2. Heretic was the first single of the Ep. Inspired both by true events and urban legends, this song is about a nun possessed by the devil. It features a dark atmosphere, slow and heavy riffs, and tasty solos. It is the song we chose for the music video, and it was the first of the EP to be performed live
3. Thirst for Blood is also lyrically about horror. Thirst for Blood is another brutal song that adds a catchy chorus and punk-inspired drum beats to the EP. Fast and catchy, this song about vampires is a guaranteed earworm
4. Whisper of Death continues the theme of horror; this one is all about Jack the Ripper. Being a true story adds to the creepy vibe of the EP. Being slower and more groove-oriented, it is one of the most unique and different songs on the EP, while still keeping the same atmosphere going.
5. Echoes of the Fallen is the last song on the EP and the only instrumental. Dark and catchy, it has many guitar leads and solos, without forgetting about the heavy riffs. A great way to end the EP.
Left to Right: Fred Element (Guitar), Charles Etienne Lafrance (Drums), Stephane Filion (Guitar), Derek Heynekamp (Vocals)
Photo Credit – Fred Element
Deadwood, formed by Fred Element in Montreal, Canada, in September 2020, is a band that 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 and never content with a quiet crowd.
In early 2022, Deadwood recorded their first demo, “Nemesis,” followed by “InHuman in 2023, which was later released on all music platforms. They have since released singles like “Djinn’s Pits”, “Straightblade,” and “Heretic,”.
By November 2024, the band welcomed Steph Filion as their new lead guitarist, replacing Sébastien Bélanger, and brought a new level of brutality and technicality. Martin Demontigny joined as a vocalist for a short time. Charles-Etienne Lafrance completed the lineup as the new drummer, replacing Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who left due to health issues, and Sam Matt, formerly bassist, leaves the band and will not be replaced.
In June 2024, they signed with EMG (Extreme Management Group) and recorded a new EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” featuring five new songs. They also produced a music video for the song “Heretic” to support the EP’s release.
Since then, Deadwood has performed at numerous shows and festivals, sharing the stage with local and international acts like Humanity’s Last Breath, Born of Osiris, Traitors, Upon a Burning Body, and many more. They toured Japan and the USA, performing at the Inkarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, and are set to add Europe to the list.
Deadwood distinguishes itself in the metal scene with its brutal sound, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. Their music caters to enthusiastic metalheads who crave pure brutality and violence. The band is committed to professionalism and giving their all in every performance, embodying determination and passion.
With their latest signing to Innerstrength Records for the release of their debut EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” on January 9, 2026, the coming year promises to be busy for Deadwood.
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