Album review: THEORY OF A DEADMAN – Savages

September 9th, 2014 by jason

Roadrunner Records [Released 29.07.14]

Theory Of A Deadman (TOAD) return with a new album, certainly darker lyrically than the last couple of albums and they are working again with Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance/Halestorm/Black Stone Cherry). They are definitely a Marmite band, just like Nickelback whose label they signed to.

Having seen them live I became a convert having before believed the hype and dismissed them as Nickelback-lite (perish the thought the real thing is bad enough!). However, vocalist Tyler Connolly is on top form throughout this album be it singing or in the lyrics – listen to ‘Blow’ for a classic TOAD tune that is upbeat in sound yet dark lyrically.

Same applies with ‘Drown’ the lead single, again it has an instant melody coupled with a dark lyric. Mind you TOAD can get all sentimental as can be heard on the piano led ballad ‘The One’. I would imagine this one will be picked up for a future film soundtrack or ballads compilation/Spotify playlist.

TOAD like to mix it up too, as ‘Livin’ My Life Like a Country Song’ is a good piece of fun and features Joe Don Rooney from Rascal Flatts, a band who are massive in the US. Another guest is Alice Cooper who pops up on the title track to add some classic Alice menace to the musical proceedings.

For instant, made for arenas rock you can’t beat this album. Turn it on and play it loud. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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