Dead Alive! cover

Dead Alive!

Misfits · 2013

40 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenetic mix of horror-themed punk anthems layered with the Misfits' signature catchy hooks and relentless energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Devil's Rain Start here — Opening with a driving beat and darkly theatrical lyrics, this track sets the tone for the entire album while encapsulating the Misfits' horror-punk aesthetic.
  • →
    American Psycho — This song combines frantic tempos with sociopathic themes, reflecting the band's unique blend of shock value and catchy melodies that define their style.
  • →
    Dig up Her Bones — A fan favorite, this track balances a melodic chorus with macabre imagery, showcasing the band's talent for crafting memorable hooks within their horror narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album balances aggressive punk energy with moments of melody, but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a heavy, driving rhythm that sets a fast pace, maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a dense sound that complements the aggressive instrumentation.
  • The final three tracks incorporate slower tempos and more melodic elements, providing a contrast to the earlier intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of intense energy
  • darkly humorous storytelling vibes
  • for late-night drives
  • short tracks with high impact
  • energetic sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, meditative pieces
  • avoid fast-paced, aggressive sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and engagement with fans in the later years of the band's career.
Career context
Released on February 5, 2013, 'Dead Alive!' captures the Misfits during a period of resurgence after reuniting with original vocalist Jerry Only. This live album showcases their enduring legacy in the horror punk genre, following a series of studio albums that had reignited interest in their music.
Stylistic neighbors
The Damned· AFI· Balzac

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Helena

    The narrative shifts from longing to confrontation within a haunting melody creates an emotional climax.

    This shift deepens the song’s impact by juxtaposing vulnerability against an assertive declaration, enhancing its thematic complexity.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Devil's Rain Start here 3:38
  • 2 Vivid Red 1:44
  • 3 Land of the Dead 2:00
  • 4 Curse of the Mummy's Hand 3:17
  • 5 Cold in Hell 1:54
  • 6 Dark Shadows 3:17
  • 7 Death Ray 4:01
  • 8 Shining 2:39
  • 9 American Psycho 1:55
  • 10 Dig up Her Bones 2:25
  • 11 Scream! 2:22
  • 12 Helena 3:23
  • 13 Science Fiction / Double Feature 3:16
  • 14 Saturday Night 4:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata