deathsleep Detonates Emotion And Precision With ‘Irish Goodbye’ In A Grit-Soaked Post-Hardcore Masterclass
- STAFF
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
By: Staff
An electrifying blend of chaos, control, and raw vocal fire—deathsleep is a force at full throttle.
We recently stumbled across deathsleep and their latest release, Irish Goodbye, and this one hit hard, an emotional storm packaged in a tight, masterful EP that left us reeling in the best way.
Kicking things off with the opener “Lamentations,” the band makes a bold statement. This intro track doesn't waste a second proving the group's technical depth and compositional ambition. The chiming, cascading guitar solo performed by Ben Rosett serves as a spellbinding entrance, haunting yet melodic, echoing like a signal flare in a dark ocean. Its beauty lies in its restraint and mood. The ambient whispers layered beneath, somewhere between sobbing and soaring, are held together by an eerie wind-like atmosphere that elevates the track to cinematic levels. It's an artistic risk that pays off as a deeply felt and intentional production choice, establishing a tone of emotional intensity from the outset.
Flowing into “Don’t Go,” the band seamlessly carries over the ethereal echoes of the opener. What immediately grabs attention is the explosive drum entrance from Dillon Marra, followed by the raw vocal delivery of Gareth Lastinger as he pleads, “Would you wait for me?” It’s an entrance that grabs your collar and demands you feel it. Moments later, another impactful drum fill drives the tension higher. It’s theatrical, orchestrated like a scene out of a rock opera, and signals early on that deathsleep isn’t here just to perform, they're here to pour out something real. Then comes the lyrical hammer: “In the pouring rain.” It’s the type of line that lands like a gut punch, signaling the true emotional weight of a love song grappling with desperation.
What follows is a carefully measured vocal duel. Lastinger's velvety upper register contrasts sharply with a guttural scream that surges in like a wave of heartbreak. It’s a visceral, dynamic exchange that showcases the band's emotional and technical range. This isn't just a post-hardcore breakdown, it’s a declaration, an unraveling, and it’s delivered flawlessly. The contrast and command displayed here position deathsleep as more than capable torchbearers for the genre.
The track evolves into a storm of unpredictable structure. Rhythmic drops, aggressive guitar chugs, delicate harmonies, all layered and shaped with precision. Marra’s percussive instincts lead the emotional pacing while Rosett’s guitar work carves through each moment with sharp yet graceful clarity. Together, they orchestrate moments that oscillate between quiet longing and explosive confrontation.
The lyrical performance feels deeply personal. You don’t just hear Lastinger sing about lost love, you see it unfold, an entire relationship laid bare, built on vocal cracks and instrumental howls. It’s visual, visceral storytelling. The production highlights every nuance: drum fills that mirror heartbeats, riffs that twist like emotional knots, and distortions that feel like internal screaming.
A standout moment arrives mid-track with an unexpected solo from Rosett that sounds like a love letter to ‘90s rock guitar legends, somewhere between Iron Maiden’s melodic precision and the soft sunshine flair of “Ventura Highway.” It’s nostalgic yet fresh, a reimagining of influence that reinvents rather than imitates. deathsleep bends genre and expectation effortlessly and then throws it at a wall, and it explodes like a Molotov cocktail.
The outro maintains that high bar, flexing the band's control over dynamic range. It’s not just about being loud or fast, it’s about using every second of sound to say something honest. They could make a harmonica sound like a weapon if they wanted to.
Next, we hit “Diamond Eyes,” where twinkling guitar textures and an almost whispered vocal entrance create a moment of pause, like a breath before the plunge. But doesn’t stay gentle for long. When the full band enters, the vocals elevate, the drums hit with thunder, and the emotional clarity of the mix cuts like a blade. This band knows exactly how to balance pain and beauty. It’s precision mixed with passion, and when the sonic wave crests, it delivers one of the most satisfying payoffs on the EP.
The track shifts again midway, falling into an ethereal interlude that transitions back into raw screams and glowing guitar textures. Each part feels intentionally woven, glued together at the seams, creating a continuous thread of emotional electricity. It’s another moment of near-flawless execution.
Closing out with “Moon Omens,” deathsleep unleashes its full force. It begins with a rhythmic sprint before diving headfirst into a sonic avalanche. The growl that erupts early on is unrelenting, and when Lastinger’s clean vocals soar again, it’s like watching a rocket take off from the wreckage. Everything has been turned up a notch, intensity, passion, production. It’s all amplified.
Then comes a theatrical shift that almost plays like a monologue. The song folds into itself, mirroring the spiraling thoughts of someone trapped in emotional chaos. But within that chaos is precision, structure, and clarity. The entire band flexes its cohesion, with Marra’s drums guiding the storm, Rosett’s guitars slicing through like lightning, and Lastinger embodying both protagonist and narrator. It’s a jaw-dropping finale, a full-body performance that doesn’t just end—it leaves you breathless.
Every note feels labored over by love, every shift deliberate. The production deserves praise, each layer of distortion, ambient echo, and vocal placement is meticulous. This EP doesn’t cater to a specific scene. It breaks past it. deathsleep isn’t just a band, they’re a statement.
Irish Goodbye isn’t merely a collection of tracks, it’s a cathartic experience that redefines what emotional post-hardcore can sound like.
Photo provided by: Gareth Lastinger
Irish Goodbye by deathsleep is a seismic display of emotional grit, technical brilliance, and genre-defying artistry.
deathsleep is a band formed not just through musical chemistry but through a convergence of lived experience, grief, and creative rebirth.
Frontman Gareth Lastinger channels his return to music through deeply vulnerable and soul-charged vocal performances, shaped by years spent with acts like Those Worth Saving and Life Alive. Guitarist Ben Rosett, already well-known for his intricate and experimental work in Strawberry Girls and Pretty Cute Band, brings a signature touch of progressive flair. His creative leadership—both sonically and in the studio—provides a foundation that balances intensity with detail. Drummer Dillon Marra, formerly of Levelhead and Indian Giver, anchors the trio with relentless energy and flexibility, expanding their sound with his rhythmic diversity and emotional insight.
The synergy between these musicians was born from shared respect and the unpredictable connection that occurs when people find their voice in the same moment. Their recording sessions at Rosett’s Spirit Vision Studios became less about studio time and more about emotional release—an organic environment that encouraged vulnerability and experimentation. Drawing influence from post-hardcore pioneers, soulful vocalists, and math rock complexity, deathsleep doesn’t just blend genres—they repurpose them. What results is a sound that refuses to sit still, driven by a raw need to process personal loss, global unrest, and the act of starting over.
We're so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from deathsleep!
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