DOMINUM – “The dead don’t die” (2024)
DOMINUM’s debut “Hey living people” was unearthed exactly one year ago and it marked the first review to ever be uploaded in Metal Domain a few months later. It is only fitting that we close the year with the band’s sophomore album that releases on December 27th. I want to start by saying that new music in such a short notice is a very pleasant occurrence. Too short gaps between two records could hint to a hasty job but let’s not forget that in the past many classic bands released new records annually, so in the end it is the quality of the songs that matters. Introductions were made in the last review so let’s jump straight to the new album.
The first realization by listening to some of the singles released, is that the zombie virus has evolved by making the victimized compositions sound heavier and more symphonic. While the symphonic part is not so prevalent in the entirety of the album, the overall direction sounds indeed more powerful taking the record deeper into the Power Metal territory. The core elements of DOMINUM that made their debut sound unique are also found here so their distinctive characteristics have not been eliminated, if you loved “Hey living people” you will not feel alienated at all by the new songs.
Important part for the creation of this, more Metal element, seems to be Dr. Dead himself as his vocal rendition includes high pitched screams this time. It is always great to see surprises in the vocal department and details that were not present in previous works. Apart from that, Felix’s tone is undoubtedly a deciding factor for the uniqueness of the band, it is not the typical Power Metal voice and that is very good for ensuring a fresh result.
The tracks themselves showcase different inspirations each time but not in a copycat fashion. You will be reminded of BEAST IN BLACK, HELLOWEEN, POWERWOLF and many others from the modern scene in a healthy way, everything is passed from the group’s zombifying filter. In fact I could just omit mentioning any other band because DOMINUM’s winning card and selling point is their own good music and amazing melodies, they do not need the correlations. Now that we touched the topic of melodies, they are unparalleled, full of character and catchiness, a testament that the band is at the top of their creativity and inspiration which hopefully will endure for many more records.
Compared to their debut we do not have a clear winner as both albums have exquisite songs and it will be a matter of personal preference. What is different is the flow of the new record which I would divide it into three chapters. The first four songs are more upbeat containing only hits, then we are taking a breath with three more melodic compositions of equal potential, before we arrive at the final three that are a mix of both and where my favorite ‘Can’t kill a dead man’ resides. Personally I found no filler in sight, as all ten original songs can carry their own weight and I would prefer “getting bitten by the wrong ones” than skipping anything! This take comes after many listens and daily repeats to ensure that the sentiment would not change with time. Finally, there is a lower emphasis on covers than the predecessor. Instead of three (with one being in the middle of the tracklist), we have one at the end for ‘Rock you like a hurricane’. I will sin by saying I am not a fan of the original so the cover did not move me. On the other hand neither am I a fan of the original ‘Bad guy’, but I found that cover flawless and impressive.
In the end things are very simple. Are you a fan of modern Power Metal that is rich in short, bombastic and catchy songs with great melodies? If not, I don’t see why this album will change your mind. If yes, DOMINUM has turned out to be a ridiculously good band within the borders of their genre. The music output of the first steps is really good and if they nailed it so hard from the start, I can hardly wait for what their future holds, supposing that their inspiration still runs deep that is. Just in time before the year expires, I have to crown “The dead don’t die” as one of the best albums of its category and league, if not the best, in a year that had heavy competition but also some important absences.
90/100
Pavlos Pavlakis
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