Band: Dead By April
Album: Dead By April (Deluxe Edition)
Year: 2009
Label: Universal Music
Myspace

Best Song: Promise Me
Score: 6/10
.

You’ve probably heard of this band before, as one of their songs has been on heavy rotation on radio stations, and on the swedish tv show “Robinson”. Of course, as you might have guessed, I am talking about “Dead By April” from Gothenburg, Sweden, and their hit song “Losing You”, which is found on their self titled debut album.

I remember when I first heard these guys a long time ago, back when they tried to not sound like just another metal band, and strived to have their unique sound. A lot of things happened since then. They singed to Universal Records, and as you probably know, when an underground band signs to a big label, it’s usually seen as a “sellout” right away.
But did they really sell out? If you ask me, I would say no, they did not; they still sound the same. But I do have to agree with some other reviews out there, saying they have lost that little extra that you always are looking for in a band. I am actually quite torn on this. I keep thinking: “God this band sounds like something you would find on MTV”, but also “perhaps I’m trying too hard to find flaws on this album”. To be quite honest with you, I think it’s the latter, and I’m just not seeing the potentional and the great effort “Dead By April” have put into their debut.

So, basically, at this point I’m trying to not think about anything. I’ll put my mind at a blank and just let the songs do their part, and so far it’s working quite well. I’m starting to like the songs more and more, with each listen, and I’m starting to see how good this album really is.
The self-titled album contains 14 tracks (one is a bonus track found on the deluxe editon – with bonus dvd) I’d describe the songs as metal with pop influences. It’s definitely not pure metal, although its in the metal-ish area.
Jimmie, the lead singer, has a really good and strong singing voice. Which, I think, was one of the reason why Universal signed them. That, and of course, their ability to create hit songs. Really, more or less each song on the album is catchy as can be, and most of the time this is not a bad thing. But I’m pretty sure you will grow tired of this record much quicker than you should, as it is not quite as special or unique as it could have been. The whole album sounds the same to me, more or less. Every song is built up the same way and ends the same way, which will make you not want to listen to it as much. But if you are young and new to the “metal” and “hardcore” scene, then by all means “Dead By April” is a great cd to start your journey.

Since all the songs sound pretty much the same to me, I am having an hard time picking out one great song. But I think “Promise Me” is the strongest one, and probably the next hit single to come out. Anyhow I am very happy for “Dead By April”’s success, and I hope they will have fun on all their shows they have coming (pretty sure they will have a tight schedule to follow).

TRACKLIST:
1. Trapped
2. Angels Of Clarity
3. Losing You
4. What Can I Say
5. Erased
6. Promise Me
7. Falling Behind
8. Sorry For Everything
9. In My Arms
10. Stronger
11. Carry Me
12. A Promise
13. I Made It
14. Leaves Falling