It’s crazy to think a band can just be hitting their stride nine albums into their career but that’s exactly the case with Theory of a Deadman.
Part 1: Funeral Songs is the band’s ninth release and follow-up to 2023’s Dinosaur, which saw the band starting to really find the formula that works for them, combining the early signature fun Theory style with the newer, more mellow and artistic material found on Say Nothing and Wake-Up Call.
Although only a six-song EP, Funeral Songs is exactly what you want from Theory of a Deadman. “Barricade” opens it up with a fun adrenaline rush of a song that gets your blood pumping before the title track ushers in the thematic epitome of a Theory song. It’s revenge at its best and unapologetically honest. Plus, who hasn’t had someone in their life where they’ve said every word of this song at some point?
Then there’s “Deep End,” which is a power ballad tailor made for fans of songs like “Angel,” and “Not Meant to Be” or “No Surprise.
Closing out the EP are “Monster Truck” and “Prenup,” both of which classic Theory of a Deadman. They’re over-the-top, fun and outrageous, harkening back to the days of “Lowlife,” “The Truth Is…” and “Hate My Life” and you can’t help but smile and laugh during both.
In the end, Theory of a Deadman have figured it out. They’ve almost had three careers- the early days with Scars & Souvenirs, then the artistic era that spawned singles like “History of Violence” and “Rx.” But then there’s the current era- the one that blends the previous two into one complete and rounded-out attack that caters to fans of all the styles they’ve had over the years.
If you love the power ballads, there’s something for you but if you love the fun, carefree ‘fuck you’ attitude Theory has had, there’s something for you to love on Funeral Songs as well. Once again, Theory of a Deadman have hit a grand slam.
Rating: 9.5/10
-Reggie Edwards