Track By Tracks: Distortia - Deadman (2025)

Introduction

Recorded entirely in our home studio in Ballarat, Australia, Deadman is a product of pure independence and creative freedom. We made a conscious decision to take full control of the recording process—every riff, every beat, every lyric shaped exactly how we envisioned it. While we experimented with different amps, drum tones, and textures, the process remained true to what we established on our previous EP, Devil in the Dust. What makes this journey even more rewarding is that every member of Distorta is hands-on in every aspect of the music. There’s a real camaraderie in the studio—we bounce ideas off each other, challenge one another, and most importantly, have a damn good time doing it. The five tracks on Deadman were chosen early on. We don’t necessarily write with an album in mind—we accumulate songs organically, and before we knew it, we had enough material for a full-length. While there’s no overarching lyrical theme, we had a clear sonic vision: big choruses, thunderous guitars, and headbang-worthy rhythms that demand a raised fist. We’ve found a formula that works for us, and with this EP, we feel like we’ve truly carved out our own sound.

1. When the War Is Over:

This one practically wrote itself—something we’d never experienced before. The melodic guitars in the chorus and pre-chorus seemed to whisper the lyrics into existence. You can really feel it in the chant at the end of the chorus: “When. The. War. Is. O-ver.” Jim penned the chorus, and Dimmy took the reins from there, crafting a powerful message about resilience and staying true to yourself. It’s about fighting your battles with conviction—because peace only comes when you’ve stood your ground.

2. The Reaper:

Jim wrote these lyrics back when he was 16—so yeah, it’s been a while. The song explores the looming presence of death, or “the Reaper,” as a metaphor for the darkness we see in the world and in ourselves. The main riff had been floating around for years, but it wasn’t until Dimmy joined the band that it finally clicked. His vocals brought the track to life. We dropped the tuning a few steps, and suddenly the song had the weight it needed. It’s eerie, heavy, and haunting—just like the idea of the Reaper itself.

3. Deadman:

Told from the perspective of a remorseless man on death row, Deadman is a dark tale of karma catching up. He’s beyond redemption—and he knows it. Musically, this track was a blast to create. We pushed ourselves to make it unpredictable and intense from the first listen. Everything just fell into place, and the energy in the room was electric. Naming the EP after this track was a no-brainer—it’s the heart of the record.

4. Longway:

This track is classic Distorta: fast-paced verses, a soaring melodic chorus, and a ripping guitar solo. It captures where we were creatively during the EP’s recording. Lyrically, it tells the story of a young man forging his own path without support. He’s driven, determined, and ready to take on the world, no matter how long the road ahead.

5. Deafening Sins:

This one was a bit of a curveball for us—slower than our usual stuff, but still heavy as hell. Dimmy’s vocal performance on this track was next-level; watching him lay it down in the studio was something else. The song explores the torment of guilt and the voices that won’t let you forget your sins. We had the insanely talented Arthur Strickland create the single’s artwork, and he absolutely nailed it. The image of a man battling his inner demons couldn’t be more fitting.

Closing

With Deadman, Distorta have sharpened their sound, tightened their vision, and unleashed a record that hits hard and stays with you. But this is just the beginning. With a full-length album already in the works and a fire that’s only growing stronger, Distorta are charging forward—and we’re not slowing down. Keep your eyes (and ears) on us. The storm is just getting started.