Thrash Metal
Singapore

Released 8th of August, 2026

Not too long ago, I wrote some words on the nostalgia felt from the recent RAD EP. By some quirk of fate, another release that has me reminiscing has been brought to my attention.
From the other side of the globe, Singaporean five piece DECEASED have delivered their debut full length, titled LAST STAND.

I mentioned nostalgia, and that was exactly what is on offer here. Unapologetic and unsympathetic, the album revels in the rough and ready formative days of thrash and crossover. Although, there are a couple of tricks that cock the ear with some rather rewarding twists.

It is obvious, from the off, that there is a lot of love in the DECEASED camp for the old stuff. CURSED TO DIE is a reverb fueled jolly up with more than a nod toward Hell Awaits era Slayer amid Power Trip grit. Things shift into actual crossover territory on DECEIVER, with a little scattering of good old groove.
There is something honest and organic about the music. It comes from the heart and hits you in the gut, with the hardcore backbone of SWORD OF THE ALMIGHTY and A NEW AGE, these songs are scuffed boots and black eyes compared to what follows.

As title tracks go, I doubt that any have been as surprising as what is served here. LAST STAND comes across with the sneering sleaze of the 1980s. More Hollywood Boulevard than Hell’s Bowels but it soon transcends into a Teutonic thrash frenzy of speed and spite.
Not to be done with one surprise, DECEASED add a personal highlight with the acoustic guitar piece, EVIL/DEVINE. Recorded with no overdubs, edits or any other post trickery, one and a half minutes of one man, one guitar, one take… warts and all. Something many a band can take notes from.

With LAST STAND coming from so many angles, DECEASED still manage to cohesively maintain their goals. The production compliments the vintage approach taken by the band, with CHALLENGER’S OATH bringing this combination to the fore.
Slowing things down here hasn’t diminished the tone of the music. Reminiscent of Dio era Black Sabbath and Ride The Lightning Metallica, it oozes power with satisfying lead breaks and gang chants in the choruses.

Going full circle, the album scores a home run with the finale, ETERNAL SUFFERING. A menacing assault of proto death metal, with elbows out and clenched teeth marking a glorious killing blow from all involved.

DECEASED have captured a time but, more importantly, they have cemented their place in the thrash metal expanse.
With hearts on sleeves and a keen eye on the ball, by knowing what they want, they have supplied what we like with LAST STAND.
A real journey of an album worth retreading.

LAST STAND is out now and available, via UK Thrashers, on streaming sites now.

Also available on digital and physical formats through the DECEASED Bandcamp (HERE), and their website (HERE).