Artist: DET
Country: Finland
Label: Cruel Gates Records / Dying Victims Productions / Headsplit Records
Formats: LP / Cassette Tape / CD
Year: 2025
While DET is not quite a very appealing name for a band, it stands for “Destructive Elite Terror” and is meant to cover this Finnish band’s musical intentions. DET was formed by a trio of musicians who are/were active in bunch of other bands from the Finnish underground metal scene such as Asphodelus, Ranger and Excuse. The first two demos have been released in 2022 and 2023, after which they were compiled on vinyl in 2024 through a label called Underground Filth from the UK. In addition there was a self-released split tape with Krusifoitu as well, so this trio has slowly worked its way up, and it has paid off: this self-titled debut album was released, over a period spanning from October 2025 to earlier this year, in the three most common formats by labels including Dying Victims Productions and Headsplit Records.
The three involved musicians might have a considerable resume, with DET, however, they have opted for a sound that is best be described as balanced mix between Black Metal and Death Metal on the one hand and Speed/Thrash Metal on the other, yet it is all rather stripped down and very primitive. So, basically you could imagine blending up proto-Black Metal like Venom with old school Death Metal Possessed and Slaughter and add a good dose of evil Thrash- and Speed Metal like Slayer and Sodom.
The result is something that I am quite sure is heavily influenced by old Deströyer 666, Desaster and Nifelheim. It is both powerful and muscular, quite fitting with the great moustaches of the guys, but also offer enough melodic leads to remind you of the three bands mentioned above. It might be a little less refined and the rougher vocals, slightly reminiscent of something that is a cross between Gospel Of The Horns and Hellish Crossfire, gives the overall sound a dirtier character. This uglier approach actually fits the band well and add much to the primitive song writing and rather dry production.
