Deadly Magic: The Soundtrack to Your Metal Nostalgia

New year, new riffs, and a whole lot of metal to dive into! 2025 is already shaping up to be a killer year for releases, but before we get too caught up in what’s ahead, let’s rewind a bit. December 2024 delivered some absolute gems that deserve a spotlight—starting with ...As Nightmares Gorged the Earth, the stunning debut EP from Germany’s Deadly Magic. Blending progressive US metal influences with razor-sharp songwriting, this release is a must-hear for fans of classic Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, and Sanctuary. Buckle up, because we’re about to break it all down!

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Mörtel

1/9/20252 min read

The year 2025 has kicked off with a literal bang (haha, get it? I'm a sucker for these dad jokes, okay...!). I hope you’ve all settled into the new year, maybe even mapped out your goals for the months ahead. The metal world is already buzzing with announcements of upcoming releases from Axetasy, Gallower, Seven Sisters, and more, making this first quarter of 2025 one to watch. Meanwhile, December 2024 saw a flood of new albums and EPs, some of which I didn’t get a chance to cover at the time. So, this January (and possibly February), I’ll be diving into a selection of my favorites from late last year.

Deadly Magic - "...As Nightmares Gorged The Earth"

Let’s start off with a bang—Remscheid-based Deadly Magic and their jaw-dropping EP, ...As Nightmares Gorged the Earth, released on December 20th, 2024, via Dying Victims Productions. This gem is the brainchild of Maik Jegszenties, vocalist and guitarist of Messerschmitt, who wanted to explore a sound far removed from his thrash/speed roots. When the world ground to a halt in 2020, Maik began laying the groundwork for what would become Deadly Magic. Soon joined by Thorben Schulz (Violent Force live guitarist, Lunatic, and ex-Messerschmitt), bassist Yannic Zwinscher, drummer Daniel Behle, and the phenomenal Alexis Roy-Petit (of Hürlement) on vocals, the lineup was complete.

Deadly Magic draws inspiration from the more progressive side of old-school US metal—think early Queensrÿche, Sanctuary, Crimson Glory, and Fates Warning. And let me tell you, they absolutely nail it. At just 24 minutes long, this EP is a masterclass in crafting concise, hook-laden tracks that capture the spirit of ‘80s US metal. Every element works: Roy-Petit’s soaring, dynamic vocals (imagine a mix of Geoff Tate, Midnight, and John Arch), razor-sharp guitars with prog flair, and a rock-solid rhythm section that ties it all together.

The perfectly crafted EP

The EP opens with Another I Beckons, a track brimming with intricate guitar work from Maik and Thorben, complemented by Roy-Petit’s versatile vocal delivery. High, piercing wails reminiscent of Midnight collide with powerful midrange sections in the slower moments. The song channels the spirit of Crimson Glory while retaining its own unique identity.

The title track, Deadly Magic, cranks up the tempo and edges into progressive thrash territory. The riffs are fast and technical, calling to mind the precision of Watchtower and Fates Warning. The entire band showcases their individual skill while maintaining a cohesive, dynamic sound that keeps the listener hooked.

No classic-inspired EP would be complete without a ballad, and It Ends Where It Began delivers in spades. Atmospheric and emotional, it’s clear that Crimson Glory’s Transcendence left a mark on the band’s creative process. This track ebbs and flows, building to a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Finally, When the World Stood Still closes the EP with a slow, moody bass intro, evoking the best of Queensrÿche’s storytelling prowess. As the track unfolds, it builds in intensity, offering a fitting finale to this meticulously crafted release.

...As Nightmares Gorged the Earth is everything an EP should be: concise, impactful, and a perfect showcase of what Deadly Magic brings to the table. If this release is anything to go by, the band’s future is incredibly bright—here’s hoping for some live shows or a full-length album in the near future.

And as always, my wundervoll heavy metal maniax, please consider supporting small artists and bands by buying physical merch such as shirts, cds or vinyl instead of just streaming, you can pick up your copy here (totally not me waiting for my copy to arrive):
CD Version
Vinyl Version

Deadly Magic - "...As Nightmares Gorged The Earth"