"Initiation" CD by Death Dealer Union

The new modern metal band with Lena Scissorhands (Infected Rain)!

DEATH DEALER UNION, the new modern metal band with INFECTED RAIN frontwoman Lena Scissorhands, will release their debut album Initiation on September 22, 2023, via Napalm Records. Since their formation in 2019, DEATH DEALER UNION made waves in 2022 with their first singles 'Borderlines' and 'Beneath The Surface'. Both songs were collaboration with producer Valentin Volute, who is also known for his work with INFECTED RAIN. The visually stunning music videos have already garnered hundreds of thousands of views in a short amount of time, serving as a precursor to what Initiation has to offer: a powerful sound complemented by captivating lyrics and strong visual elements. Drummer CC McKenna, guitarist Doug Weiand, and the two new members, Hunter Havok (rhythm and lead guitars) and Jonny Heinz (bass), complete the band lineup alongside Lena Scissorhands, who performs under her real name Elena Cataraga. The quintet combines various metal styles and incorporates themes such as alchemy, occultism, and esotericism. Although no track on the debut album is alike, there is a common thread throughout the entire record that unmistakably showcases the characteristic sound of DEATH DEALER UNION.

Initiation begins with the instrumental title track that combines electronic elements and organ passages. Seamlessly, the opener transitions into the first single, 'The Vow of Silence,' which impresses with fast, aggressive verses and a catchy chorus, showcasing the album's immense production. 'ILL FATED' combines '80s guitar sounds and classic metal riffs while Elena Cataraga's diverse vocals shine. Later, 'The Integument' brings traditional power metal flair to the forefront before transitioning into a dark sonic landscape. Tracks like 'Ekphrasis' and 'Mythos' - the latter featuring a gripping guitar solo - brim with '90s riffs and nu metal elements. 'The Big Blue,' 'Back To Me,' 'The Downfall,' and 'Anew' fluctuate between various metal styles, from symphonic elements to progressive, showcasing the band's diverse musical abilities. As the album draws to a close, DEATH DEALER UNION presents the emotionally charged ballad 'Love Me When I'm Ugly' as the most poignant track, while the dark 'Beyond Heaven' concludes Initiation with a powerful exclamation mark.

Initiation offers the opportunity to experience Elena Cataraga's voice in a new sonic landscape and proves that DEATH DEALER UNION is a band to keep an eye on from now on - Initiation is just the beginning!