EP Review: The Dead And Living – Damage (Rexius Records)

After an extensive hiatus, Swedish goth rock mob The Dead and Living have returned with a new EP; ‘Damage’, which is set for release on February 28th, 2025, through Rexius Records.

The ‘space’ theme that this new EP has makes so much sense once you hear it. Adding an explorative nature and strong sense of the unknown to its four tracks. Four tracks that showcase a staggering level of dynamism and vibrancy as The Dead and Living evolve. Their goth rock roots are still showing, but they’re not quite as prevalent as they have been.

This is part of the modern makeup of The Dead and Living, who have refused to stagnant, and through renewed focus have found a fresh outlook on their sound. One that still happens to be a little sexy, a little sleazy, and a little bit sinister. Just wrap your ears around the impressive title track to appreciate that. Alongside a chorus that truly gets jammed in the brain.

In that opener, you will have noticed a more ‘unified’ vocal style and that is something that grows in stature on the following Magma Heart. The melodies are big here, but it’s the choir-like vocal moments that end up sounding so grand.

Demons Till I’m Dead is up next and there may be no better example on the EP of The Dead and Living’s new direction then this. Dark, moody, with elemental power, and then the chorus arrives, and it just explodes with starry, synthy life. Then, to cap off an excellent listen, it’s Army of Mankind and one hell of a ‘go big or go home’ statement from this band.

The future is looking really bright, and we should be so very excited to see what it entails.

The Dead and Living – Damage Track Listing:

1. Damage
2. Magma Heart
3. Demons Till I’m Dead
4. Army Of Mankind

The Dead and Living Links

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