I originally posted about "Goddamn the 21st Century", the long-awaited debut full-length from Memphis, TN's mighty Dead City, last summer when they were still looking for a label to release it. Well, I'm pleased to report that Thrashed! Records had the presence of mind to make that happen, so I'm re-posting about this total gem once again, as I simply can't recommend these guys enough. I've been raving about how fucking great Dead City is ever since I first heard 'em back in 2006, and that fact has only been continually solidified with each subsequent recording they've sent me. There are a lot of bands out there getting a lot of hype for unloading merely decent tracks that are heavily influenced by the classic 90's style of metallic hardcore, so I simply can't fathom why the hell Dead City is still flying under the radar without getting more well-deserved appreciation. I hope that will finally start to change now that the album's out, because rather than falling back on all of the NY staples that everyone knows and loves, Dead City's dirtying things up (in the best possible way) with more interesting and atypical influences more along the lines of what bands like Bloodlet and Cutthroat were doing "back in the day", right alongside some 1993-styled Entombed and Crowbar to add some texture and dimension. So the end result is still largely along the lines of early- to mid-90's "metalcore" (remember kids, it wasn't always a dirty word), but the fucking songwriting is far darker, far more pissed, and far more powerful than the vast majority of the aforementioned bands that are reaping serious benefits from the hype factor right now. I've always been one to champion the "little guys", but I'm fucking tired of seeing all the "little guys" that crush the competition getting set aside or ignored because of insignificant (often aesthetic) bullshit that has nothing to do with musical quality. This is Dead City's strongest effort to date, and is very possibly the best release of 2009 as far as I'm concerned. Please spread the fucking word if you're among those who agree with me. And if not... well... I just don't fucking get it...
Dead inside. I feel nothing. I don't fucking care. For those I loved an absent stare. Sick of playing games. Day after day, nothing's at stake...
It's only $8 from the label, so no excuses...
Get It
Thrashed! Records (CD)
RevHQ (CD)
Amazon.com (mp3)
iTunes (mp3)
Comments
awesome track here. jesus. id buy this album, definitely.
7.19.2008 | By Marcus Garvey
vocals do sound exactly like “back in the day” Blootlet… pretty sick
7.19.2008 | By Jesse
I like the older stuff with the first line up way better.
7.20.2008 | By Lenny
I hope they will make the proper release soon. I need to hear the whole album to compare the songs toward the EPs.
7.20.2008 | By Carlos
I don’t know when the “first lineup” ended, but no. This is by far their best material to date. Simple fact. This completely demolishes the material from the “Three Demos Done” disc.
7.20.2008 | By Andrew Aversionline
this is not the same Dead City as on the Funeral Diner split. no?
they seem different…
check this review and tell me im right or wrong…
http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=4741
7.21.2008 | By blend77
Nope, this IS the same band, insanely enough.
7.21.2008 | By Andrew Aversionline
wow… yeah, the guy does sound like Scott from Bloodlet…
I never heard them, but when I was trying to figure out where these 4 Funeral Diner tracks came from I found they were from that split.
7.21.2008 | By blend77
Awesome, awesome track.
7.21.2008 | By Tyrone
Everything that the original lineup of dead city self released (including the split with Funeral Diner mentioned) was compiled on a cd we called “3demosdone”. It was released on Rock Vegas Records and is available in their estore and in various bargin bins/trash cans in memphis record shops. After a break and a lineup change we set out playing the older songs but quickly replaced them with new material. The name was kept mostly to support the Rockvegas release (and maybe a little because its tattooed on my fingers) but we no longer play any “1.0” material. I stand behind the old material and would reccomend it to fans of Envy or City Of Caterpillar. Thanks to everyone for their positive comments there are two additional songs from the new recordings available to listen to on myspace.
7.22.2008 | By dead city
Pretty solid musicianship and song writing here. Not the same old “metalcore’ crap. The vocals remind me Eric Forrest (the VOIVOD vocalist from their “Negatron” and “Phobos” albums) and I mean that as a compliment. I guess they just arent screamy enough for the current trendy scene. Lets hope things change for the better for these guys soon.
7.25.2008 | By Wolfhammer
first dead city song i heard was “the end of communication”, where they so perefectly put the kuklinski sample at the end that i instantly fell in love with them. “saint of killers” fucking nails it. all the allusions to early bloodlet are dead on correct - if that ain’t the greatest accolade?! i’d release dead city right away!
7.28.2008 | By Andy
one of the hardest working bands in the country. i saw them in texas recently and it blew me away. somebody please put this record out!
7.31.2008 | By whatupmayne
One of only a handful of bands from the Memphis area that I can actually get into. (Two others being Burial Within and The Unbeheld…check those guys out if you get a chance, although both are of a much different style). I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard Saint of Killers. These guys definitely deserve more recognition than they get.
7.31.2008 | By JBraen
this shit fuckin rules. i will buy this the instant i see it available.
8.12.2008 | By rob
with all the sshitty integrity rip off bands the north east have been supplying in heavy quantitiy the last few years and the mediocore bands that claim to be death n roll with pointless incoherent lyrics Dead city is a breath of fresh fucking air. Jerrry’s lyrics are some of the best in heavy music right now. These labels need to get over the politics and sign this band and back them….........Bumming you OUT!
8.23.2008 | By Cole
Dead City is a breath of fresh air. In a world of duplicated after duplicated style, this is a band with a sound to match their attitude. After spending a lot of time living in New Orleans and roaming the Southern Metal/Hardcore scene, I can honestly say I’ve stumbled onto a rock dream with this band.
Dead City is the new voice of hardcore and should be regarded as such. Buy the fuckin CD, Buy the fuckin T-Shirt, put the poster over your bed, Dead City is here to stay.
8.30.2008 | By Bobby Touche
Definitely in my top five for sure.
10.15.2009 | By Tyrone
I bought the demo with Kuklinski voice recording samples. I loved it. I completely forgot how great this band in. Song you’ve posted convinced me that I must buy the CD. Fucking awesome band!
10.15.2009 | By Carlos
Damn. This is really good. Thrashed! on top… again.
10.15.2009 | By Birkir
I waited and waited and waited and waited for this album, it didn’t disappoint, the second coming of bloodlet.
10.16.2009 | By Jack
AS much as I like this…. 2nd coming of Bloodlet? I don’t think so. Music is totally different.
10.17.2009 | By Birkir
This is just about the worst band I’ve ever heard. Fucking terrible.
10.18.2009 | By Gary
Dear Gary: You’re fucking insane.
10.18.2009 | By Andrew Aversionline
Music isn’t that different, more double bass runs, vocals are spot on.
10.19.2009 | By Jack
This album fucking owns. You check out the New Steel Nation?
10.20.2009 | By John Hasson
Really good, band keeps getting better and better. Any plans of vinyl release?
10.21.2009 | By Samuli
Dear Gary: You’re fucking insane.
legendary comment!!!!!! :)))))))))))))))))
10.22.2009 | By Carlos