With the 7th full-length album, Ghostly White, from long-time running act, Deceased you know what you’re going to get-or do you…? I’ve followed the band for close to 3 decades now and have been a fan since the beginning. The brilliant mixture of death/thrash metal with classic metal and some NWOBHM, for me is insanely enthralling. Combines all my favorite metal genres. With 8 songs and over 50” of music Deceased put their heart and soul into this sucker. Unfortunately in November of 2018 their drummer, Dave Castillo, suddenly passed away. This is horrible and my heart and prayers go out to his family and the Deceased band members. RIP, metal brother. Dave puts in an amazing effort on this album, as well, his last one was on As the Weird Travel On record.

The last album, Surreal Overdose, was one of their most brutal and while there are definitely some elements of that on here-, check out “A Palpitation’s Warning” or “Endless Well” for proof of some mega moments, Ghostly White is rooted more in the spirit of Fearless Undead Machines and Supernatural Addiction. So we get the signature trademark death thrashiness of Deceased, however it’s mixed in with more classic metal and NWOBHM moments this time around.

Sure, opening track “Mrs. Allardyce” comes in with such an ethereal melodic metal sounding guitar riff, which is too freaking catchy for words. The song then erupts into a monster mid-paced moment and King’s vocals, erupt. His vocal mix is more upfront on this recording, and he sounds as great and throaty as ever. The guitar melodies on this particular song are killer and just when you thought there is no way they are topping the classic metal moments and death thrash parts, the 13”+ “Germ of Distorted Lore” comes through with a killer part which sounds like it could have been a riff on As the Weird Travel On. The song moves, thrashes and has some amazing guitar solos. This is mixed with faster moments with some excellent vocal stanzas and catchy verses. The song is the perfect blend of everything Deceased does so well and it never feels like 13”.

“The Shivers” is a highlight for me with an amazing opening guitar riff and excellent and haunting melodies. Excellent drumming from Dave and strong vocals from King. “Pale Surroundings” is the perfect ending song with the haunting and catchy female vocals. Eerie, atmospheric and brilliantly placed. The album was recorded with long time friend, Mike Bossier at his Maryland Oblivion Studios. Great production/sound and it ties in with the 80’s look and feel of the Ghostly White album cover. The booklet is exceptionally designed with the lyrics, illustrations and explanations for each song. One of the finest albums of 2018. Naturally-organic, brutal, well-played and catchy as a muthafu**er. Buy or Die!

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