Tag: Dead on Arrival

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

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews2 Comments

Dead on Arrival Header

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.

Connect with Dead on Arrival:  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Stream their music on  Spotify and purchase on iTunes

DEAD ON ARRIVAL – EP Review: “Chasing Tides”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews2 Comments

It’s back to the UK to shine my spotlight on metal rock band Dead On Arrival. The Derbyshire four-piece was formed in 2011, and consists of Jack Dughan (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Ben Calver (Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals), Connor Woodward (Bass) and George Lathbury (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. As they state on their Facebook bio, “Our passion is to write, produce and release our own music and then play it live and LOUD.”

Dead on Arrival
Photo by Pete Key

Dead On Arrival released a full length debut album From the Ashes in 2016, and now return with a terrific EP Chasing Tides, which dropped on August 18. The EP delivers four scorching tracks that clearly demonstrate the band’s growth, both in songwriting and musicianship. Their song lyrics address themes of dysfunction and betrayal within ourselves, our relationships and our government leaders, and their ferocious instrumentals perfectly convey the strong feelings expressed in the lyrics.

Chasing Tides

“Vulture in the Waves,” released as a single in late 2016, kicks things off with an onslaught of shredded guitars, powerful throbbing bass and pounding drums – all hallmarks of the band’s hard-hitting sound. Dughan wails the lyrics that speak of someone wracked with guilt and tormented by his actions:

“Oh I’m the vulture in the waves
Chasing tides to escape my mistakes
Because I couldn’t live on
Knowing what I’ve done
And I hide in the shadows
It’s the only way to survive“

Hammering drums and blazing riffs continue unabated on the hard-driving “Inside” and “Corrupted World.” Calver’s shredded and distorted guitars are mind-blowing, and the bass so heavy I felt it in my core. On the latter track, Dughan implores, “This is a final call. We will stand tall and fight against this corruption.”

As if the first three tracks aren’t aggressive enough, the guys unleash their full sonic arsenal on the bombastic “Sickening Thing.” The frantic guitar riffs rain down like thunderbolts, and Lathbury attacks his drums like a wild beast, nearly blowing out the speakers – and my ear drums! Woodward lays down a face-melting bass line, and Dughans’ fiery vocals match the brutal music note for note. It’s my favorite of the four tracks, and really shows what these guys are capable of.

Connect with Dead on Arrival:  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Stream their music on  Spotify and purchase on iTunes