Review: “Repulsion” by Dead Sleep

Celebrating a decade of destruction together, Malmö Sweden based Thrash trio Dead Sleep have been busy preparing five fresh cuts for our listening pleasure in EP “Repulsion“. The bands fourth record in all, it follows 2020’s “Naked Tyrant” album and finds the band a more streamlined trio following the departure of rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Johan Salo. He leaves behind vocalist and bassist Anna Wagner (Iron Pike), drummer Per Olofsson (Megalomania) and guitarist Marcus Bader who also proves backing vocals. Recorded at Sunnanå Studios by Markus Nilsson (Deville, Horns Of Anguish, Nonexist) and  given the gift of artwork by Bartosz Nalezinski (Soilwork, Crowpath, Setherial), the record is inspired by the biblical myth in which two mothers fighting over a baby led to King Solomon ordering the child to be sliced into two parts… as a way of testing the women’s true maternal instincts.

Plague winds and whispers of occult ritual bring title track “Repulsion” to live with classic old school Thrash riffs, rumbling bass and solid percussion, Wagner having a vicious, snarling Death Metal inspired vocal style that gives the cut a real edge. Setting the tone and atmosphere, the overarching themes of motherhood and the abandonment felt by society when women refuse these instincts are there but they’re not pushed to the point where they over power everything and you can very much make it your own. If they opening cut felt like it was stripped down to the bare essentials, the engine running on strictly diesel “Hell Hath No Fury” has a tasteful solo early doors which sets the place on fire. Taking inspiration from Hardcore punk, the bass has been brought forward in the mix which gives it that extra rhythmic dynamic and Wagner mixes up the vocal stylings to add a bit more texture.

Guest soloing from Patricio Vergara of Infernal Bloodshed, Remiso and Maligner fame adds some stardust to “Children of The Blade” as Dead Sleep double down on the central theme of the record with another furious anthem of pure fire and brimstone. A mesmerising second guitar solo, a rumbling bass solo and a huge pick slide before the final assault will cause old school Thrash fans to spontaneously combust, the band knowing what it takes to inflict maximum damage on the cerebral cortex.

A Traditional Heavy Metal riff with an air of familiarity transcends into Death Metal fury as the malevolently evil vocals at the start of “Leech From Cachtice“, the early riff coming returning as the trio blend the styles to perfection. They can expect Robert Rodriguez to be on the line soon, getting this one onto a soundtrack for his next big thing, it’s that good. Moving closer to the darker side of Thrash “Bring Me The Dead” is razor sharp with galloping drums and tight riffing, Wagner playing the role of an Evil Goddess with a blood lust. Her spitting, snarling, venomous vocals draw you in like Medusa to chant the song title along with her until the end of time. All in all, a mighty fine return from Dead Sleep who have arguably delivered some of their finest work with this [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Repulsion
2. Hell Hath No Fury
3. Children of The Blade
4. Leech From Cachtice
5. Bring Me The Dead

“Repulsion” by Dead Sleep is out 26th June 2026