DED

DED emerged from Tempe, Arizona in 2016 as a supergroup of sorts within the regional scene, featuring members from Greeley Estates and Man Made Machine. Led by vocalist Joe Cotela, the band quickly aligned themselves with high-profile producer John Feldmann, which helped define their signature 'Octane-core' sound: a polished, high-gain version of nu-metal that prioritizes melodic accessibility alongside aggressive instrumentation.

Their debut album, Mis•an•thrope (2017), established them as leaders in the nu-metal revival movement, characterized by horror-inspired aesthetics and lyrics addressing mental health and societal disillusionment. Culturally, they occupy the space between the legacy of bands like Slipknot and the modern metalcore scene, successfully bridging the gap for a younger generation of listeners. Critical consensus identifies them as a highly professional, visually striking act that excels in the mainstream rock format. Their second album, School of Thought (2021), showcased a slight shift toward more diverse influences, including trap and industrial elements, while maintaining their core identity of high-energy, defiant heavy music.