Swedish goth rockers The Dead And Living make a triumphant return with their latest EP, DAMAGE, set for release on February 28, 2025, through Rexius Records. After a six-year silence following 2019’s The Author’s Curse, the band ventures into a new thematic realm, trading haunted mansions for the boundless darkness of space. This shift in setting gives their signature gothic rock sound an eerie, cosmic edge, blending atmospheric synths, haunting vocal interplay, and a sense of existential vastness.
The EP opens with the title track, “DAMAGE,” an ominous and brooding piece that immediately establishes the celestial atmosphere. Swirling synths take center stage, setting an ethereal tone, while the band’s male and female vocalists weave a dark, theatrical interplay that enhances the song’s sense of mystery. The chorus erupts with a spectral beauty, as the female vocals cut through the thick atmosphere, bringing an unexpected emotional lift. Sonically, it nods towards Bowie’s Low-era futurism and the cavernous grandeur of Sisters of Mercy, yet remains unmistakably The Dead And Living.
“MAGMA HEART” follows with an infectious melody, carried by a pulsating synth line that feels like a heartbeat in the void. Coroner’s low, raspy vocals add an unsettling touch, balancing the song’s inherent catchiness with an undeniable gothic weight. The refrain, “We’re coming home now,” lingers in the mind long after the track ends, proving The Dead And Living’s ability to craft memorable hooks within their shadowy soundscape.
The standout track, “DEMONS TILL I’M DEAD,” is where the band’s formula truly clicks. The interplay between the male and female vocals is at its most potent here, shifting from haunting harmonies to a soaring, anthemic chorus that stands as the EP’s emotional high point. The addition of cinematic strings adds a touch of grandeur, elevating the song’s intensity while keeping it firmly rooted in the gothic tradition.
“ARMY OF MANKIND” closes the EP with an ominous march, its slow-burning build lending it a sense of finality. This is where the band leans most heavily into their darker influences, with pounding drums and cavernous production making it a fittingly epic closer. However, throughout the EP, there’s a lingering feeling that something is missing—a climactic guitar moment that never quite arrives. The guitars play a supporting role rather than commanding the spotlight, leaving the listener yearning for a defining, hair-raising riff to complete the sonic picture.
While DAMAGE succeeds in crafting a unique and immersive atmosphere, it occasionally stumbles with some unusual choices. The handclap effect in the title track feels oddly out of place, and the autotuned backing vocals, while perhaps meant to emphasize the futuristic theme, come off as distracting rather than enhancing. These moments slightly detract from the otherwise carefully curated soundscape.
Despite these minor missteps, DAMAGE is an intriguing evolution for The Dead And Living. The band’s ability to fuse gothic rock’s inherent melodrama with a cosmic scope sets them apart from their peers. While it may not fully capitalize on its potential, the EP is a bold step forward, proving that The Dead And Living are far from being buried in the past. DAMAGE may not be the definitive statement fans have been waiting for, but it’s an exciting preview of where this resurrected band could go next. For lovers of goth rock with a cinematic twist, this is a journey worth taking.
Tracklist:
1. DAMAGE
2. MAGMA HEART
3. DEMONS TILL I’M DEAD
4. ARMY OF MANKIND
Source: www.antiheromagazine.com
