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Review By Halina Wegner

Zombie metal fans, brace yourselves—DOMINUM is back from the grave with their upcoming sophomore album The Dead Don’t Die, set for release on December 27, 2024, via Napalm Records. Helmed by mastermind Felix Heldt, aka Dr. Dead, the band is ready to deliver a heavier, darker, and more bombastic take on their signature zombie-themed metal sound, pushing the boundaries of what undead music can offer.

The album wastes no time setting a grim and ominous tone with the opening track We Are Forlorn. This song encapsulates the desolate atmosphere that runs throughout the album, with Heldt’s vocals perfectly complementing the heavy guitar riffs and deep basslines. The sense of hopelessness and the dark undertones in the track make it an excellent introduction to what’s to come.

The title track, The Dead Don’t Die, is a relentless anthem that fully embraces the band’s undead theme. With brutal guitar riffs and thunderous drums, the track hooks listeners with a hauntingly catchy chorus. Heldt, with his ferocious growls, makes it clear that DOMINUM has upped their game, proving they can balance melodic elements with bone-crushing intensity. The production is sharp and polished, thanks to Jacob Hansen (known for his work with Volbeat and Arch Enemy), giving every instrument its time to shine while maintaining a raw edge.

Killed By Life and Die For The Devil follow in the same vein, each a testament to the band’s sharpened songwriting skills. These tracks stand out with aggressive riffs and breakdowns that are guaranteed to ignite mosh pits when performed live. Drummer Lars “The Grave Digger” delivers a thunderous performance, creating a heart-pounding tempo that drives the momentum of the album forward. Guitarist Markus “The Executioner” throws in some impressive solos, particularly on Die For The Devil, which gives the track a burst of energy.

Don’t Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones offers a slightly more playful tone amidst the heaviness, with dark humor shining through the lyrics. The song is a clear crowd-pleaser, with its infectious rhythm and punchy hooks. Heldt and the band have nailed the art of mixing brutality with accessibility, making tracks like these stand out from typical death metal fare.

One of the most surprising moments on the album comes with DOMINUM’s cover of Scorpions’ Rock You Like A Hurricane. The band injects their signature zombie metal flavor into this classic, turning it into a gnarly, undead version that manages to stay true to the original while adding a spine-chilling twist. Guitarist Markus adds a darker, doom-laden tone to the iconic riffs, and Heldt’s vocals give the song a monstrous new life.

The album closes with The Guardians Of The Night, a slow-burning, atmospheric track that leaves listeners with a sense of eerie finality. It’s a powerful way to end the album, with Felix Heldt’s voice blending perfectly with the dramatic instrumentation, fading out into the abyss.

With The Dead Don’t Die, DOMINUM has shown tremendous growth since their debut album. The band’s tighter production, enhanced songwriting, and stronger musical direction have crafted a thrilling, flesh-rotting masterpiece. Fans of heavy metal, horror, and all things dark are in for a wild ride. DOMINUM is more than ready to take their zombie metal empire to the next level, and this album is a must-listen for anyone daring to venture into the land of the undead.

Prepare yourself—the dead truly don’t die, and DOMINUM proves it with this explosive release.

4o

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