Review: “Reduced To Ashes” by Deathraw

In what sounds like a synopsis for a Vietnam war movie “Reduced To Ashes” from French Thrash maniacs Deathraw is a record which explores humanity’s confrontation with an overwhelming evil, reflecting on the realities of sacrifice for a cause and the ultimate consequence of defeat. Born of the vision of guitarist Aurélien Gonzalez (Blackened, ex-Dead Tree Seeds), who joined forces with bassist and vocalist Eric Walzer (ex-Draugen) and drummer Fabrice Goddi (ex-Scurrilous, ex-Mindkiller), the project is one heavily influenced by the legacy of the Bay Area scene, the trio finding a shared passion for the genre despite having very different backgrounds. While Gonzalez has spent more than a decade in Thrash, Walzer is known for his accomplishments in Black Metal while Goddi is known for his Technical Death Metal prowess. What they agree upon however is their approach; favouring something direct and unfiltered with spontaneity and authenticity above all else…

While billed as an EP “Reduced to Ashes” is closer to a debut album as half an hour of power in Technical Thrash across five longer cuts, two of which almost reach the seven minute mark. The theme of War is evident from the very start, an ominous spoken word instructing to attack at dawn as “Wolves Assemble” begins with a marching drum pattern before incisive riffs fly in all direction with a classic Thrash gallop. An adrenaline rush of a solo from Gonzalez warns of his prowess, the pounding drums and bombastic bass providing an accomplished accompaniment. It has to be said that Walzer impresses vocally with both his raspy uncleans and spoken word parts, his wordy lyrical narratives having more of a storytelling approach than anything else. What also works incredibly well about this opening burst is that there are hints at other genres being an influence with a decent amount of weighty groove on this one in particular. Title track “Reduced to Ashes” is similarly paced to force adrenaline through the veins, a ripper of a technical solo elevating the bands sound to a higher plane of existence. The raw vocals offer an insight into the realities of War, Walzer also deserving a lot of credit for his powerful production having mixed and mastered the record in house. A vital cog in the machine, he clearly understands the remit and has got the best out of the recordings, squeezing every last drop of energy from them.

A razor sharp technical solo at the bitter heart of the bleaker tale that is “The Last Testimony” gives it a real vibrancy, the earworm main riff making it a genre masterclass from start to finish. The only issue is that some of Walzer’s vocals appear to be slightly strained, however that might be something done on purpose to help push the envelope of the lyrical narrative. There is nothing wrong with his roar at the start of “Riot” which once again finds the band moving towards the direction of “Vulgar Display of Power” era Pantera with the quadruple tracked rhythm guitars. They sound massive but would be wasted without the variety in rhythmic patterns which are as well thought out as they are structured, allowing the solos to shine. Ol Drake of Evile fame makes his presence felt on “Post Human” with a face melting solo as the band gallop across the horizon like the four horsemen of the apocalypse, defying all the odds to ensure the album is the very essence of what the cliche that is all killer, no filler means. The nuanced vocals, strained melodies and expressive depth all combine to make this record so much more than the sum of its parts and in the end all that’s missing is a couple more songs [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Wolves Assemble
2. Reduced to Ashes
3. The Last Testimony
4. Riot
5. Post Human (ft. Ol Drake of Evile)

“Reduced To Ashes” by Deathraw is out 13th February 2026 and is available over at bandcamp.