Savages cover

Savages

Theory of a Deadman · 2014

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of hard rock and alternative melodies, exploring themes of inner turmoil and societal critique.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Drown Start here — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its haunting lyrics about despair and longing, establishing the album's emotional weight right from the start.
  • →
    Savages — This title track critiques modern society’s brutality through sharp lyrics and an aggressive sound, encapsulating the album's thematic core.
  • →
    World War Me — With its introspective narrative about personal battles and self-doubt, this track resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity amidst chaos.
  • →
    Angel — The ballad contrasts the heavier themes throughout the album, showcasing vulnerability and emotional depth through tender instrumentation and lyrics.

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 features strong thematic elements and energetic performances but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo.
  • Lyrically, the album frequently employs direct and confrontational language, addressing themes of societal issues and personal struggles.
  • Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, with softer verses leading into explosive choruses, creating a contrast that emphasizes emotional weight.
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 3/10

Known within its scene. 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
  • gritty themes of chaos
  • cathartic release in frustration
  • anthemic hooks for sing-along
  • late-night reflective energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • avoid introspective lyrical content

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Ambitious themes and heavier sound mark a notable evolution in their music.
Themes
modern brutality· personal battles· societal critique
Career context
Savages is Theory of a Deadman's fifth studio album, released during a period when the band was solidifying their mainstream presence following commercial successes like 2011's The Truth Is.... This album showcases a darker tone and lyrical depth, reflecting both personal struggles and broader social issues as they navigated their sound in an evolving rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Hinder· Three Days Grace· Shinedown

Tracklist

  • 1 Drown Start here 3:42
  • 2 Blow 3:36
  • 3 Savages 3:33
  • 4 Misery of Mankind 3:24
  • 5 Salt in the Wound 3:38
  • 6 Angel 3:22
  • 7 Heavy 3:03
  • 8 Panic Room 3:14
  • 9 The One 3:58
  • 10 Livin’ My Life Like a Country Song 3:20
  • 11 World War Me 3:15
  • 12 In Ruins 3:19
  • 13 The Sun Has Set on Me 5:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata