Gatecreeper – Deserted

Death metal at its finest

The Arizona native band Gatecreeper are not strangers to the music scene. In 2014, the band released their four-song self titled EP Gatecreeper and in 2016 they released their first full-length album titled Sonoran Deprivation. The band has released their new album titled Deserted and this record stays true to old school death metal.

What is intriguing about this record is how well played the instrumentation is on each track. Lead guitarists Eric Wagner and Nate Garrett do a fantastic job playing deep guitar tunes which sound like classic death metal. Meanwhile, bassist Sean Mears does a great job playing a low and energetic sound which can allow listeners to feel the vibrations, drummer Matt Arrebollo’s drum beats are well played as he is able to play loud beats that set the mood on each song and Mason’s vocals are dynamic because his vocal style is raw and grungy with a touch of authority on each track. Overall, Deserted is a promising album because it provides the wild energy fans and listeners are looking for.

On the album there is a song titled “Everlasting” and what is amazing about this song is how well it is musically composed. The song starts off with Wagner and Garrett playing deep vibrating guitar sounds which welcomes the listeners. The drumming by Arrebollo is rather interesting in the song because his drum beats at first sound like punk music more than metal and he then switches the tone to a slow rock drumming. Meanwhile, Mears’ bass guitar sounds are delightful on this track because when listening, the erratic low rumbles can be felt through the headphones and Mason’s vocals are raw and pure with a great touch of low grunge. This song is a must-listen because it shows how creative the band has gone to craft their music. 

Another mind-blowing song on Deserted is titled “From The Ashes” and what makes this song wonderful is the drumming by Arrebollo. His drumming style is superb on this track because he is able to provide solid rock and drum beats to help enhance the song. Mason’s vocals are dynamic on this track because he sounds intimidating due to his raw and grungy vocal style. Also, the sound of crystal clear guitar music is well played by Wagner and Garrett and Mears’ bass is quiet on the track, but when listening carefully, the sound of low and heavy vibrations can be heard making quality sound in the background. This track is just filled with the right touch of promising death metal. 

Also the song “Boiled Over” is another great track because it features the sound of old school death metal. When listening to the song, the sound of the band is raw death metal with a unique style of rock and metal drum beats. The guitar solo by Wagner is enjoyable because he plays in a clear and simple way, Garrette does rather well with keeping up with the harmony while playing the guitar because he is able to maintain a slow and steady guitar sound which fills the background on the track, Mears’s bass guitar skills are amazing because he is able to create low rumbling sounds while playing on a higher guitar note. Furthermore, Arrebrollo’s drumming is fantastic because he switches to different drum beats throughout the song and Mason’s vocals are pure with authority and it is fun to hear how low his grungy vocals can go while singing. Fans and listeners will enjoy this song.

In closing, Deserted is a brilliant album and it is nice to know that there are bands who are willing to carry on with the tradition of old school death metal.