Dead on Arrivals cover

Released 9 years ago this October

Dead on Arrivals

16Volt · 2017

25 min · 6 tracks · industrial rock

A gritty fusion of industrial soundscapes and rock energy, laced with haunting melodies and dark lyrical themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Lamb — Opening the album, this track sets a dark tone with its heavy beats and brooding vocals, establishing the industrial rock aesthetic that defines the record.
  • →
    Pushing Scars — This song showcases a dynamic interplay between aggressive instrumentation and introspective lyrics, illustrating the emotional depth that runs throughout the album.
  • →
    For Violence With You — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, this track exemplifies 16Volt's ability to blend catchy hooks with darker themes, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP blends industrial and rock elements effectively but lacks the depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving beats, while the last three tracks shift to a more atmospheric sound.
  • Each song features layered synths that create a dense soundscape, often contrasting with sparse vocal delivery.
  • The lyrics throughout the EP explore dark themes, but they are not always delivered in a straightforward narrative style, adding to the overall haunting quality.
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
7/10

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

  • dark themes for introspective moments
  • gritty soundscapes for late-night drives
  • short bursts of intense energy
  • haunting melodies for reflective moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lighthearted, upbeat tunes
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Dead on Arrivals' was released in 2017, 16Volt had established themselves in the industrial rock scene since their formation in 1990. This album marked their return after a lengthy hiatus following 'Beast' in 2009, showcasing a matured sound that reflects both personal growth and evolving musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Skinny Puppy· Ministry· KMFDM

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Favor of Mercy

    The bridge introduces a contemplative pause where the narrative shifts to self-reflection amidst chaos.

    This structural shift emphasizes vulnerability at a crucial moment, contrasting with the surrounding intensity of the music.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Lamb 4:10
  • 2 The Favor of Mercy 3:32
  • 3 Pushing Scars 3:17
  • 4 Something Is Coming 4:47
  • 5 For Violence With You 4:34
  • 6 In the Thaw 5:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata