DEAD ON ARRIVAL – Single Review: “WE.ARE.ONE.”

Dead On Arrival is a formidable alternative metal rock band based in Derbyshire, in the English East Midlands. Formed in 2011, the band consists of Jack Dughan (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Ben Calver (Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals), Connor Woodward (Bass) and newcomer Joe Smith (Drums). Drawing on influences from some of their favorite bands such as Metallica, Machine Head, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Asking Alexandria and Bring Me The Horizon, the guys make aggressive rock that’s melodic, raw and in-your-face. In their bio, they state “Our passion is to write, produce and release our own music and then play it live and LOUD.”

In 2016, the band released their debut album From the Ashes, then followed a year later with a scorching hot EP Chasing Tides (which I reviewed and you can read here). They’ve now returned with a new single “WE.ARE.ONE.,” delivering the face-melting metal rock we’ve come to expect from them. Jack and Ben lay down raging riffs of shredded and distorted guitars, while Connor’s deep, buzzsaw bass lines and Joe’s hammering drumbeats keep the frantic pace. The instruments all reach a bombastic crescendo in the bridge, causing an outbreak of goosebumps. Jack’s raw, impassioned screams are mind-blowing, especially given his youth and seemingly gentle appearance.

The scathing lyrics seem to be a repudiation of people or forces trying to hold you back, crushing your soul and self-worth through their lies and lack of faith in you. Jack told me they’re meant to symbolize the band’s determination to continue moving forward, staying strong against whatever odds are thrown their way, and to keep getting better and better. I think they’re succeeding quite nicely.

Don’t take this away from me
Where are you gonna lay when you’re dead?
When you’re buried in the ground covered in shit and dirt.
And no one knew you existed.
It’s all on you, It’s all on you.
Karma wasn’t my intention. These things just happen.

You can try and take what’s mine.
I can see right through the lies.
But you can’t take, you can’t take this away from me.
And no we won’t fall. It’s us after all.

You can’t take this away from me.
You won’t take this away from me.
You won’t be the end of me.
We will never rest
We are one, and one to be.

The awesome video of the band performing the song was filmed and produced by Bigger Boat Film.