Formed in 2005, The Dead line-up included members of veteran Australian death metal bands such as Obfuscate Mass (Mike Yee) and Misery (Scott Edgar). They recorded a couple of demos and a single that was released on 7" Vinyl through Obsidian Records. In 2007, on the same Australian label The Dead released their self-titled debut full length album. The Dead was a raw, ugly, repulsive and yet fascinating album with amazing catchy hooks and doom-influenced groovy parts. It was a beast of a death metal album that shook the world from down under.

Following the debut, guitarist Scott Edgar left the band due to musical differences. Undeterred and determined to prove their effectiveness as a three-piece unit, The Dead once again went into the studio to record a near 30 minute EP and released it independently. Recorded LIVE in the studio, Nocturnal Funeral, as it came to be called, captured The Dead's actual live sound, their raw unbridled energy and terrific group dynamics that very few bands can boast of. It comes as no surprise that The Dead are considered among the best live acts in Australia and have played shows with bands like Behemoth, Obituary, Kataklysm, Psycroptic, Ulcerate and many others.

In 2009 The Dead self-released their second full length album Ritual Executions which was limited to only 100 copies. It happens to be the band's doomiest material, so much so that many people consider their original death metal categorization to be misleading. As it was meant to be released in time for a show, the recording was hurried and the album, though immensely heavy, suffered from an overly murky production. Realising the brilliance of that album, The Dead's long time supporters Diabolical Conquest Webzine decided to re-release the album in much higher numbers and make it available to the world through their newly formed label. In 2010, specially for the Diabolical Conquest Records version, Ritual Executions was re-mixed and re-mastered by none other than Aphotic Mote of the famed death metal band Portal and had a modified artwork done by the band with a proper booklet with additional artworks. The album was released on June 28, 2010.

The Dead are currently writing new material for a full length. With the fact being that most of the songs on the doomy Ritual Executions album were written before the Nocturnal Funeral EP, it is uncertain as to what direction the band will take with their new material. Even The Dead aren't sure - all they know is that their music will be heavy.

The Dead Release "Ritual Executions" via Diabolical Conquest Records

The second full length album of the Australian band The Dead is a brilliant mix of twisted, brain-warping death metal and miasmic sludgy/stoner doom. Perfectly arranged to maintain a sublime, engrossing balance, the combination of sharp, visceral hooks and massive doom trudges with remarkably groovy parts render Ritual Executions one of the most unique and fascinating albums to be released in this era. The remixing and remastering done by Aphotic Mote (Portal) specially for this Diabolical Conquest Records version makes the originally dense and suffocating Ritual Executions much more breathable but retains the rawness and underground vibe that bring The Dead to life. The modified artwork sketched by vocalist Mike Yee suitably captures the essence and horrific otherworldly feel of The Dead's music - only a band member could achieve that.

'Ritual Executions' is the first release of Diabolical Conquest Records.

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Updated Saturday, 29 January, 2011 11:49 PM