Dead to the World (album) cover

Released 10 years ago

Dead to the World (album)

Helmet · 2016

36 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

An urgent blend of dissonant riffs and raw vocals that captures the tension of modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I ♥ My Guru — This track showcases Helmet's signature sound with heavy guitars and a catchy chorus, encapsulating the band's ability to blend aggression with melodic hooks.
  • →
    Red Scare — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics addressing societal issues, this track exemplifies Helmet's critical edge and reflects contemporary anxieties.
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    Dead to the World — The title track features an atmospheric build-up that contrasts with its intense delivery, representing the thematic depth of isolation and despair throughout the album.
  • →
    Look Alive — A standout track that combines intricate guitar work with existential lyrics, demonstrating the band’s knack for fusing complexity with accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing Helmet's signature sound while exploring modern themes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a tense tone.
  • Lyrically, the album explores themes of disillusionment and personal struggle, with vocals delivered in a raw, emotive style.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo drive
  • tense atmosphere with melody
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • focused listening in order

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2016, Dead to the World marked Helmet's return after a seven-year hiatus since their previous album, Seeing Eye Dog. This album came during a period of reinvigoration for the band, as they sought to reconnect with their roots in alternative metal and noise rock while pushing forward sonically.
Stylistic neighbors
Quicksand· Unsane· Fugazi

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Life or Death 3:02
  • 2 I ♥ My Guru 2:51
  • 3 Bad News 2:36
  • 4 Red Scare 3:19
  • 5 Dead to the World 3:32
  • 6 Green Shirt 3:02
  • 7 Expect the World 4:07
  • 8 Die Alone 2:40
  • 9 Drunk in the Afternoon 4:21
  • 10 Look Alive 4:10
  • 11 Life or Death (Slow) 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata