Dealer

Dealer is an Australian nu-metalcore project formed in Melbourne in 2018, primarily centered around the vision of vocalist Aidan Ellaz. Emerging from the ashes of several prominent Australian heavy acts, the band quickly established a signature sound characterized by high-tension rhythmic structures, industrial-tinged production, and a lyrical focus on personal betrayal and psychological turmoil.

Their debut EP, 'Soul Burn', was a watershed moment for the 'Australian sound,' influencing a wave of bands to adopt more dissonant, staccato-heavy songwriting. Despite significant lineup changes and personal controversies surrounding the frontman, the project has maintained a cult following due to its uncompromising sonic intensity. Critically, they are viewed as a bridge between the groove-oriented nu-metal of the early 2000s and the technical, 'mathy' hardcore of the late 2010s. Their influence is most visible in the rise of 'heavy-low' tuning trends and the use of glitch aesthetics in modern metalcore marketing and production.