Despite being split between Sheffield and London, Desolated have made geography and circumstance work for them to complete their long-anticipated new release, Finding Peace. Now composed of guitarist Richy Unsworth and bassist Dan Ford, with Charlie Thorpe (Malevolence) on drums, Les Law (Bun Dem Out, Fifty Calibre) on guitar, and Tony Evans (Idle Hands) stepping in as the new voice of the band, Desolated have weathered over five years of remote writing sessions with voice-noted riff ideas, and miles travelled to have in person meets.
Juggling full-time jobs, the group faced the daunting task of replacing their frontman mid-process, but rather than derail the momentum, it refined it. The result is their heaviest, most cohesive work to date. Leaning harder into the band’s roots, and with guest features from all over the world such as Ninebar, Whispers, and D Bloc, this album is easily placed into Hardcore history. This piece captures a matured and sharpened sound reborn in 2025, tempered by distance, life, and sheer will.
“Rather than diluting their aggression, this latest release feels like a sharpened blade”
If this is what gentrified Desolated sounds like, it’s safe to say the streets are still in good hands. From the jump, this album punches you straight in the face, letting you know this is for the two steppers. Technically, this album does a lot for a genre that is arguably seen as simplistic and uncomplex (sometimes proudly), with methodical precision, every track showcases the talent of this band. Strings move in time with the drums, complimenting each other and delivering hard knocks at every turn. With plenty of d-beats and barking vocals, this band ensures the listener knows exactly what genre this is.
Tony Evans delivers a different energy from their previous vocalist, a more visceral and deep edge to the meaty sound created by the full band. His husky and gruff voice perfectly compliments the gritty guitars, while his lyrical pacing dances with the rhythm section perfectly.
Whilst elevating their sound, they have not strayed far from their hardcore roots, in fact, they may have dug in deeper. Rather than diluting their aggression, this latest release feels like a sharpened blade, more refined, more focussed, and even more dangerous. It’s an evolution, but not a softening. Instead, they’ve channelled their fury into something leaner and more lethal. Each track pulses with raw energy, balancing chaotic intensity with just enough control to make the impact feel deliberate. It’s the kind of album that makes you desperate for the sweat-drenched intimacy of a live show, with spin kicks flying and fists in the air.
Photo Credit: Des Maddocks
The MLVLTD label, with bands such as Malevolence and Guilt Trip signed, have released metal/crossover albums for the ages, and usually steer toward creating crowd pleasers and instant classics, it has not shied away from its grittier roots with this piece.
Desolated have not come to play with this album, and will have even the most hardened Hardcore purist blasting this album on repeat.