Song
New Best Friend
Artist
Deadguy
Deadguy backstory
Deadguy’s original incarnation lasted a mere three years. But the New Jersey boys made one hell of an impression.
Their inventive 1995 debut, Fixation on a Co-Worker, has since been lauded as a masterpiece, and its jagged, wildly violent HC provided an accelerant for the burgeoning metalcore and mathcore scenes.
Deadguy, however, split in 1997 and it seemed like that would be that. They’d burned bright, then faded out.
But a 2021 documentary on the band, Killing Music, provided a catalyst for the act’s reunification.
Live shows followed – including a set at 2023’s Damnation Festival.
And guitarists Chris ‘Crispy’ Corvino and Keith Huckins, bassist Jim Baglino, frontman Tim Singer and drummer Dave Rosenberg set about making a new record, through, as Rosenberg puts it, “sheer force of will”.
We were first afforded a taste of that upcoming album, Near-Death Travel Services, when Deadguy unveiled Kill Fee in April – and they’ve followed it up with New Best Friend.
In Deadguy’s own words
“We made a fucking Deadguy record!”
So there you have it…
The verdict on New Best Friend
An explosive release of tension, New Best Friend is a reminder that after all these years, Deadguy’s DNA has somehow remained intact. The song rides right on the edge. It’s urgent, angular and punishing… and leaves a sizeable dent – especially when Huckins’ and Crispy’s pummelling riffery kicks in. It’s prime Deadguy. And thanks to producer Steve Evetts – who worked on Fixation – it sounds both fresh and familiar.
What’s more, New Best Friend reminds us of how Singer’s acerbic delivery can just cut right though. As one of hardcore’s most distinctive voices, it’s good to have him back in the Deadguy seat.
What’s next for Deadguy?
Near-Death Travel Services will hit on June 27 via Relapse Records.