DEFILED, a Japanese death metal band, return with the latest installment in their impressive catalog: Altered State, their ninth studio album, due June 12 via Season of Mist. Originally founded by guitarist Yusuke Sumita in 1992, the band has released a steady stream of unapologetic, relentless music for over three decades — a catalog that holds up against, if not surpasses, similar-sounding contemporaries of the early '90s scene such as CRYPTOPSY, MONSTROSITY, and DEICIDE. DEFILED's influence has since seeped into the foundation of many modern (and not-so-modern) death metal bands. Following up the critically acclaimed 2024 release Horror Beyond Horror, Altered State looks to further infiltrate the brains of the fanbase with 43 minutes and 12 seconds of absolute face-melting fury across 14 tracks.
If you're looking for straight-ahead '90s-era death metal, you may be disappointed. While still holding true to their origins, this record blends a newer production sound with more progressive song structures, allowing it to occupy a rare space of authenticity and freshness that similar bands struggle to achieve. Fans of long-running acts often become detached from new releases, questioning why a record is even needed — discounting the notion of progression over time and the idea that a band this deep into their career can still produce something genuinely fresh. In that way, Altered State challenges its listeners to embrace a slightly new form of musical chaos and darkness.
The record leans into heavier, bone-tingling riff sections and a deeper, more immersive vocal range than Horror Beyond Horror. Each member's contribution feels dialed in with greater care and attunement. Listening on headphones, it's hard not to follow each instrument's descent into madness — and hard not to return for additional plays. There is no filler, no respite, with standout tracks including "Altered State," "Necro-Force," "Metamorphosis of Evil," and the fittingly titled closer "Apocalyptic End."
According to Yusuke, "The lyrics are based on the dystopian world presented in George Orwell's science-fiction masterpiece 1984. They express the madness that everyone living in the present currently feels." It's a fitting backdrop. Lyrically, the Orwell connection is never heavy-handed, relying instead on short, aggressive bursts of screams to drive the point home.
If you're looking for a death metal record to bang your head to as our society continues to decay, Altered State will not disappoint.
TL;DR — Pretty fucking sick. 8/10.
Release: June 12 2026
Promo provided by Season of Mist.
Links:
- Official site: http://www.defiled.info/
- Season of Mist: https://www.season-of-mist.com/bands/defiled/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KDc0SB4ero6zAgrafjVrt