This band, hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Bratislava, Slovakia, began in 2014 and released their debut EP, Slither, in 2015, followed by Tsukuyomi in 2017, and 2 years later saw the release of their debut full-length, Tyrannotophia. Distant’s release schedule is impressive and extensive, including instrumentals, singles, and EPs.
If you are not familiar with the style of music you would hear when you press play, and you’re the type who gets led by that kind of thing, this is heavy. And by heavy I mean, real fucking heavy. Combining brutal death metal with slam and beatdown, this is going to mess with anyone who isn’t used to it or prepared for it. This is Deathcore at its finest.
When you press play on the 13 tracks which span around 39 minutes, you will realise straight away that this is not to be messed with; you need to strap in, really tight.
The chugs, the down-tuning, the aggression, the pace changes – everything screams chaos and destruction.
The band states that the album “…is a cathartic expression of vulnerability…” and shit me, you can feel it. Turning that state into something productive and positive is not only healthy but really good to listen to and relate to.
Throw in darkness and raw energy – this is one dangerous band that is at the top of their game and ready to push boundaries.
Occasionally, albums that fall into categories such as Deathcore can become a bit samey, yet Distant have different angles, different aspects of the genres that keep everything as fresh and sharp as it could be and the result is something that is as stunning as I remember hearing, especially in the world of heavy music.
This album flies through the tracks in its unrelenting style and makes no apologies for destroying everything in its path. You will be getting your hammers out and smashing shit up yourself when you have this monster playing in your ears; nothing is safe.
Please, give this album a listen – no matter whether you are a fan already or someone looking to explore the more extreme end of the spectrum. This is how it should be done; this is how you maintain longevity in music – by making music that grips people and having a way to relate to it.
Into Despair will be released Friday, November 6th 2026 via Century Media Records.
Review: Ed Ford
Tracklist
- The World
2. Nothing Left To Hate
3. Into Despair
4. Spirit
5. Circle of Vultures
6. The Shallow Gaze
7. Veil of Paranoia
8. Desolation
9. All Will Be (N)One
10. Rat Torture
11. Flesh and Nails
12. The Shared Grief
13. Iron Knee
Online
https://www.facebook.com/DistantOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/distantofficial/
