From choosing a band name taken from a Testament song, to wearing their beautifully crafted battle jackets emblazoned with the names of their favourite heavy metal bands, the quintet is hellbent on bringing the nostalgia, exuberance, and blood thirsty passion of the 80’s without necessarily pigeonholing themselves in one sole genre.

Formed in Pretoria, South Africa in 2014, Deadline played their first show at a friend’s house party on 7 March 2015 and have not looked back since. 2 albums and an EP later, they have become the fore runners of the Old School Heavy Metal sound in South Africa which they have dubbed the “New Wave of South African Heavy Metal”. With 6 South African Metal Music Awards to their name, a dedicated fanbase who dub themselves the “Deadline Heavy Metal Crew” and an energetic, passionate live show second only to their heroes Iron Maiden, they march with intent and pride towards the release of their 3rd album, “Vitriol Inc” that will undoubtedly be their most daring release yet.

Led by the effervescent, high flying Frontman Jessy Switchblade, Deadline have undergone a few core changes during the pandemic, but have now solidified their line up around guitarists Judge Mental and The Skullprit (the last original member along with Jessy), bassist Damian Dread and percussionist and back up vocalist Wrighteous Mike. The quintet is hellbent on bringing the nostalgia, exuberance, and blood thirsty passion of the 80’s without necessarily pigeonholing themselves in one sole genre. Their music transcends genres, it transcends generations, it’s an ode to the decade that changed us forever. Sit down in your Lamborghini Countach, strap your seat belt, and let their crashing drums, pulsating bass rhythms, bright neon guitar riffs and screeching vocals take you back to your glorious metallic past! “Vitriol Inc” will be out early 2023!’

We are metal! We are fire! We are legacy! We are energy! We are power! We are Deadline!