In September, Dominum inked a global deal with Napalm Records, unveiling their debut album, Hey Living People, anchored by the gripping single, “Patient Zero”.
Hey Living People bursts forth with thirteen haunting tracks steeped in horror, entwining superb storytelling of zombies and survival with even more superb musicianship. Weaving the dark apocalyptic narrative is Felix Heldt (known for Feuerschwanz, Visions of Atlantis, among others) who embodies the lead character of Dr. Dead and is joined byPatient Zero on bass, Victor on drums, and Tommy on guitars.
The album’s opening anthem, “Immortalis Dominum,” sets the stage, while the catchy sing-along rockers, “Danger Danger” and the title track, “Hey Living People,” incite anthemic fervour and raised fists within a pit.
Despite being dubbed a power metal band, “Cannibal Corpses” infuses a wonderful sticky pop essence into its vocals, reminiscent to the allure found in Lady Gaga‘s vocal power.
With 360 Grad Design offering an immersive dive into the Dominum storyline, “Patient Zero” visually and lyrically has a distinct horror vibe that not only can be seen and but heard.
Amid the melodic and dreamy music and entrancing harmonies, the whimsical yet eerie aura of “We All Taste the Same” unfolds like a Victorian childlike rhyme, showcasing Dr. Dead’s commanding vocals as a force to be reckoned with.
Permeated with Dominum’s metal finesse, the album reaches a pinnacle with a cover of Dead or Alive‘s 80s hit, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”. There are two more covers that are worth the wait if one is listening to the album in its entirety. Upping the bass and making it heavy, Dominum absolutely owns Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”, but for me, their cover of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning” is clutch. It naturally feels as if it’s part of the Hey Living People story.
With Hey Living People, Dominum isn’t inviting the world of the living to the undead, they’re dragging the living to the undead and honestly, we’ll all be better for it.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Danger Danger”, “Hey Living People”, “Cannibal Corpses”, “We All Taste the Same”, “Beds are Burning”
Watch the videos in order of the story line
Dr. Dead says this about the song, “Patient Zero” – “I have succeeded in achieving a breakthrough in the realm of immortality. My old colleague Frankenstein had thought everything through well – but not carried it to its logical conclusion. ‘Patient Zero’ signifies the beginning of a long story that will have a positive ending for all of you living beings.”
On the “Danger Danger” video, he adds – “Dr. Dead has led his first zombie into town and tested it on an unsuspecting living being for the first time, under non-laboratory conditions. It worked out well right away – the system is a go. Everything has been successfully documented and is visible in the new video ‘Danger Danger’.”
On “Cannibal Corpses”, Dr. Dead said – “Hey living people! You’ve already witnessed the diverse levels my creations can reach. They’re poised to greet you literally everywhere—are you prepared to face the invasion? Will you willingly join us? I appreciate those who attempt to resist the irresistible (shoutout to you little revolutionaries!), but let’s be real—you know how this ends, especially if you’ve seen at least one good movie. Fear not, my army of the Cannibal Corpses is here to find and save you, regardless of the tricky or annoying situations life may throw your way. They’ll come for you – no need to worry. Take a step closer, and listen to your fate in ‘Cannibal Corpses’.“
On “Immortalis Dominum”, the good doctor said – “Listen, my living friends, you’ve already heard the tales of my first two creations – ‘Patient Zero’ and ‘Victor’ – and I know you cherish them, but probably not the way I do. A father’s love is unlike any other, you see. With this new story I’m presenting, I’m providing a glimpse into my inner world. It’s a dark place, but it leads to a bright conclusion – the heart of it all, the anthem of the undead – ‘Immortalis Dominum.’ I am the master of the undead, and this is my legacy.”
Dr. Dead said this about “Hey Living People” – “So here we stand. You’ve lived your ordinary lives, had your time to prepare for what’s happening right now. ‘Hey Living People’ is unleashed – my statement to those who still haven’t understood it yet. Brace yourselves. They’re coming. For you. Now.”
