Dinosaur cover

Dinosaur

Theory of a Deadman · 2023

34 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of hard-hitting riffs and emotive melodies captures the essence of modern rock with a reflective twist.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dinosaur Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of self-reflection and societal critique, driven by catchy hooks and powerful instrumentation.
  • →
    Medusa (Stone) — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and metaphorical storytelling, addressing themes of transformation and resilience amidst adversity.
  • →
    Sick — A raw exploration of mental health struggles, 'Sick' showcases the band's willingness to tackle difficult subjects head-on through engaging melodies.
  • →
    Get in Line — 'Get in Line' combines infectious rhythms with commentary on personal relationships, making it a relatable anthem for listeners navigating love and loyalty.

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 energetic rock with reflective moments but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, establishing a high-energy opening.
  • The album includes several slower tracks that incorporate piano and strings, creating contrast with the heavier songs.
  • Lyrically, the themes shift from personal struggles to broader societal reflections, particularly in the title track 'Dinosaur'.
  • The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
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

  • steady mid-tempo engagement
  • emotive sing-along moments
  • adventurous road trip soundtrack
  • headphone detail for riffs
  • cathartic energy release

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek slow, contemplative vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued relevance and evolution in sound for the band in their later career.
Themes
societal critique· mental health struggles· personal relationships· transformative resilience
Career context
Released in 2023, Dinosaur marks Theory of a Deadman's sixth studio album, following their 2017 release, Wake Up Call. At this stage in their career, the band has evolved from their early post-grunge sound into a more polished alternative rock approach, embracing thematic depth and personal introspection.
Stylistic neighbors
Hinder· Three Days Grace· Shinedown

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sick

    The chorus shifts to an urgent plea for understanding, contrasting moments of vulnerability with defiant energy.

    This structural choice emphasizes the internal conflict between seeking help and battling stigma, enhancing the emotional weight of the song.

Tracklist

  • 1 Dinosaur Start here 3:48
  • 2 Medusa (Stone) 3:40
  • 3 Sick 3:22
  • 4 Two of Us (Stuck) 3:31
  • 5 Ambulance 3:27
  • 6 Sideways 3:29
  • 7 Get in Line 3:18
  • 8 Head in the Clouds 3:30
  • 9 Hearts Too Wild 3:35
  • 10 Summer Song 2:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata