You know what they say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
In Theory of a Deadman's case, they go right to the studio. In the middle of 2013, the platinum-selling Canadian quartet began working on what would become its fifth full-length album, “Savages” [Roadrunner Records/604]. However, everything in their lives rapidly and unexpectedly changed. Whether it be a shakeup at their label, waning interest in rock at radio, or the downturn of society at large, a myriad of issues weighed heavy on members Tyler Connolly [Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar], David Brenner [Rhythm Guitar], Dean Back [Bass], and Joey Dandeneau [Drums].
So, Connolly channeled it all into his songwriting.
"It's such a different record for us," he asserts. "I'm known as the guy who writes all of the 'breakup' songs. It would have been typical to write more, so I did just the opposite. There's something very brutal about our culture. I got nightmares from “Terminator” as a kid and, now, you can watch real murders on YouTube. We're so desensitized. I went from writing about crazy women to how screwed up we are. That's the theme…”
Once again teaming with super producer Howard Benson [My Chemical Romance, Halestorm] in the studio, he tapped into the same robust riffing and primal power that coursed through the group's 2008 platinum-certified breakthrough, “Scars & Souvenirs”—which yielded the #1 Mainstream Rock Radio smash "Bad Girlfriend" as well as "So Happy" and "By The Way". Lyrically, Connolly turned his attention to the state of the world around him and churned out the band's catchiest and most crushing statement yet.
That songwriting prowess solidified Theory of a Deadman as a major contender in modern rock since their self-titled 2002 debut. Most recently, 2011's The Truth Is… landed in the Top 10 of Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart upon its debut, while topping the "Top Rock Albums", "Top Alternative Albums", and "Top Hard Rock Albums" charts. In addition, it spawned the #1 radio hit "Lowlife", which ruled Rock Radio for three weeks straight. Along the way, the group has toured with everybody from Alter Bridge, Stone Sour and Godsmack to Daughtry and Mötley Crüe. However, Connolly and the guys always have the same goal in mind.
"We want to give fans a great Theory of a Deadman record," Connolly leaves off. "We owed them this album. It's completely real, unrestrained, and unbridled. We want their acceptance above all. This is for them, and we're all extremely proud of it."