Released on March 13, 2007, Dead Again was Type O Negative’s seventh and final studio album, marking a fitting and powerful farewell for the gothic metal pioneers.
Following 2003’s Life Is Killing Me, the band took a darker, heavier, and more eclectic approach, blending elements of doom, thrash, punk, and their signature sardonic wit.
With Dead Again, Type O Negative delivered a sprawling, emotionally charged record that encapsulated everything that made them unique.
By this point, Peter Steele (vocals/bass), Kenny Hickey (guitar), Josh Silver (keyboards), and Johnny Kelly (drums) had already cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative bands in metal. However, Dead Again saw them refining their sound with renewed energy, as if aware that this would be their last chapter.
The album, infused with themes of addiction, redemption, and mortality, carried a spectral sense of finality—especially in hindsight, given Steele’s passing just three years later.
Musically, Dead Again took the gothic grandeur of October Rust (1996) and the crushing weight of World Coming Down (1999) and injected a raw, almost unhinged energy reminiscent of their early years.
The production had a more organic, live feel, which complemented the album’s heavier and more aggressive moments. Kenny Hickey later reflected on the album’s intensity, saying, “It felt like we had something to prove again. We wanted to go out swinging.”
The album opened with the title track, “Dead Again,” an explosive, thrash-infused anthem that set the tone with its driving riffs and Steele’s unmistakable baritone. Lyrically, it was both deeply personal and darkly humorous, reflecting on relapse and rebirth with a mix of cynicism and self-awareness.
“Tripping a Blind Man” followed, layering blistering punk aggression with haunting atmospherics. The song’s shifting dynamics highlighted Type O Negative’s ability to weave beauty and brutality into a single composition.
“The Profits of Doom” stood out as one of the album’s most expansive and ambitious tracks. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, it combined Sabbath-esque doom riffs with eerie interludes and Steele’s ominous, spoken-word passages. The track’s apocalyptic themes and crushing heaviness made it an instant classic in the band’s catalog.
On the other hand, “September Sun” showcased the band’s melodic side, featuring melancholic piano lines, soaring choruses, and one of Steele’s most emotive vocal performances. The song’s reflective lyrics and sweeping arrangements made it a standout ballad, evoking the grandeur of Bloody Kisses (1993).
“These Three Things” was another epic journey, packed with unpredictable shifts, thrashy outbursts, and moments of eerie beauty. Clocking in at over 14 minutes was a testament to the band’s ability to craft long, immersive compositions without losing momentum.
Lyrically, Dead Again was Steele at his most introspective, wrestling with faith, addiction, love, and loss. While previous albums were drenched in irony and black humor, this one carried a more personal, almost confessional tone. That’s not to say the trademark sarcasm was absent—tracks like “Some Stupid Tomorrow” and “She Burned Me Down” still had plenty of Steele’s biting wit—but there was an underlying sincerity that made the album feel even more poignant.
Produced by the band themselves, Dead Again had a rawer, grittier sound compared to their more polished earlier releases. While some fans initially found the mix a bit rougher, it ultimately worked in the album’s favor, giving it an urgency that mirrored its themes of struggle and survival.
Though it didn’t achieve the same mainstream breakthrough as Bloody Kisses or October Rust, Dead Again was a triumphant and fitting farewell, encapsulating everything that made Type O Negative one of the most unique and beloved bands in metal. Reflecting on the album years later, Kenny Hickey said, “It was Peter’s last statement, and he gave it everything he had.”
Nearly two decades later, Dead Again remains a must-listen for Type O Negative fans. It’s a powerful, haunting farewell to one of metal’s most singular voices, proving that even in their final hour, the Drab Four still had plenty to say.
Final Verdict: 9/10
Standout Tracks:
Dead Again
Tripping a Blind Man
The Profits of Doom
September Sun
These Three Things
Until next time, play it loud, friends!
