Dead Hazards’ debut LP Saline pushes the boundaries of sludge metal, weaving elements of alternative, punk, desert rock, prog, and even classical music into a heavy, immersive soundscape. More than just an album, Saline is an exploration of disillusionment, detachment, and the power of music as a form of self-preservation.
“I believe music can save you when no one else will. Or maybe, it’s that you can save yourself through music. It doesn’t just leave when turned off,” says a member of Dead Hazards.
A Sonic Journey Through Heavy and Experimental Soundscapes
At its core, Saline delivers thick, fuzzed-out guitars layered over electronic drums and deep, searing basslines. The vocals add another dimension—an intense fusion of operatic power and grunge grit—creating a sound that resonates with fans of Pallbearer, Windhand, and Monster Magnet. Throughout the album, listeners will catch echoes of Kyuss’ signature grooves, Faith No More’s fearless experimentation, and Jane’s Addiction’s dark theatricality.
Tracks like “Lazyeye” stand out with classic rock-inspired riffs, showing how the band effortlessly merges old-school influences with modern heaviness. But Dead Hazards don’t stop at traditional instrumentation. Instead of conventional guitar solos, they introduce violin processed through heavy effects, unconventional percussion instruments, and even nature sounds to add an organic depth to their music. The band also experiments with audio manipulation, incorporating black-and-white artwork converted into soundscapes, particularly on tracks like “Cripping Faith” and “Lazyeye.”
A Year in the Making
Saline took shape over the past year, recorded in segments and painstakingly pieced together. The band faced challenges, from limited resources to a grueling mixing process that stretched through summer 2024. Engineer João Janz played a crucial role in bringing the album to life, as Dead Hazards embraced an unconventional approach—constructing some sections like electronic music, shifting elements until they seamlessly clicked into place.
The first single, “Prime,” is out now, with Saline set for digital release across all streaming platforms on April 20th, 2025.
