Deadly Since are part of a younger generation of South African metal bands developing through independent releases and local shows. With a settled line-up and several singles already behind them, AFRICA.ROCKS spoke with JD Baird about how the project has evolved, the music that shaped it and where the band is heading next.
Deadly Since began with you writing and releasing music independently before the full band took shape. How did the other members change the way the songs were written and performed?
JD Baird: Adding another guitarist meant I had to shift some of the lead parts around and write lead and rhythm parts for existing songs. I wanted a good balance in terms of who plays lead so that we both have equal fun on stage. Black Angel on drums was the biggest improvement. He made my songs come to life in a way I simply couldn’t have imagined as a solo artist. Having my bass player alongside me instead of backing tracks makes me feel like I’ve got so much power behind me. Those moments of synergy on stage are indescribable, and Mike is the best bassist I could’ve asked for.
Children of Bodom were an important early influence on the project. Which parts of that melodic death metal tradition still guide Deadly Since, and where are you developing a sound of your own?
I never liked the vocals in Bodom, and I have always tried to have my own unique style when it comes to verses and vocals. But I always take great inspiration from Bodom’s riffs and solos: the sneaky boomer bends in between fast-paced melodic runs, dreamy arpeggios and a filthy, gritty guitar tone. I will also borrow licks and techniques as a way of paying tribute to my hero, Alexi Laiho, on stage.
‘Eternal Fire’ first appeared before the current band version was released in April 2026. Why did you return to the song, and what changed once the full line-up recorded it?
I returned to ‘Eternal Fire’ because we wanted to experiment with recording real drums. We only had four mics, so it was a very low-budget setup, but it gave me good insight into how we can go about recording full-band versions of our songs in the future. ‘Eternal Fire’ was also the band’s favourite song, alongside ‘Don’t You See’, which is why we focused on it.
Deadly Since have been building their name through live shows around Gauteng, including performances in Krugersdorp and Johannesburg. What have those shows taught you about the audience for melodic death metal in South Africa?
Our live shows over the past year have taught me that melodic death metal fans are not common. They are, however, very loyal, and once you hook them, you can guarantee that you will see them at the next show. Building an audience in any genre is about patience, persistence and consistency. We have played to empty venues and know that it is always a possibility.
You now have several singles behind you and an established line-up. What are you currently working towards, and how close are you to a larger release from Deadly Since?
We are currently working towards writing new material to perform live. We have written ‘Forever Is on Its Way’, and I have just made the hook for ‘Death of the Sun’. We will record and release these soon and also release more band versions of our existing singles.
Listen to Deadly Since on Spotify and follow the band for new releases as they arrive.
