Review: Deserted Fear – Veins of Fire”
“Veins of Fire” is an album that shows Deserted Fear at a crossroads. Where their earlier works leaned into the ferocity and harshness of death metal, this release shifts toward melody and polish – still At The Gates and Edge Of Sanity as influences, but adding Paradise Lost and Arch Enemy. It is a carefully constructed record, driven by layered guitar harmonies, mid-tempo pacing, and choruses that reveal a fascination with Gothenburg-inspired melodic death. What emerges is a collection of songs that sound accomplished and professional and please the listener.
From the first track, the intent is clear. There is atmosphere, precision, and an undeniable sense of control. The sound is warm and dense, the riffs weaving together with a clear attention to detail. The aggression simmers beneath the surface but rarely erupts, leaving the listener with a sense of restraint. Sometimes catchy hooks or memorable choruses shine through, and in the some parts the band experiments with hints of industrial edge or darker atmosphere. The drumming and bass work are reliable, though they occasionally fade into the mix, leaving the spotlight fixed firmly on the twin guitars. Vocally, the growls remain commanding, but they sit within the framework of the music rather than tearing through it.
What stands out most about the record is its consistency. Every song is solidly written, the production is polished, and the mood is cohesive. At the same time, this consistency becomes predictable. Mid-paced structures dominate, and moments that threaten to build into chaos are quickly reined back into familiar forms. The effect is an album that feels satisfying but rarely surprising. It is heavy, yes, but in a controlled and calculated way.
The evolution toward a more melodic and accessible sound is not without merit. The band demonstrates maturity, showing they can write songs that balance aggression with atmosphere. Metalheads who value clarity, precision, and melodic richness will find much to enjoy here. Yet those who seek the rawness and unrestrained force of earlier works may feel underwhelmed. The fire is present, but it burns in measured lines rather than wild conflagrations.
There are highlights scattered across the record, in moments of galloping riffs, particularly sharp growls, and choruses that hint at something greater. But these flashes are fleeting, and they rarely push the album beyond its controlled framework. “Veins of Fire” succeeds in presenting Deserted Fear as a seasoned band with a clear vision of melody-driven death metal, though it occasionally falters in delivering lasting impact.
Overall, this is a strong and professional release, one that underscores the band’s craftsmanship and their willingness to lean further into melodic territory. It is enjoyable, competently written, and often impressive. At the same time, it feels cautious, and it stops short of being transformative. A record that satisfies with its polish and precision, while leaving space for the listener to wonder what might have been if the band had let the fire fully ignite.
