In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative music in 2023, Mike’s Dead stands out as a rising force, blending genre, shattering boundaries, and creating a distinct sonic experience across his new EP, REBIRTH. While the collection takes on a life of its own through a heavy-laden sound collage, Mike’s Dead shares the 2023 albums that influenced him this year.
The past year has undeniably marked a milestone for Mike’s Dead. From sharing stages with the horror-metal behemoths Ice Nine Kills to gearing up for two exclusive EP release parties on December 15 and 16, presented by Louder Than Life and Sonic Temple, REBIRTH stands as a tremendous achievement in his discography. Released under Hopeless Records, this six-track opus serves as a revelation, boldly embracing both his roots and expansive growth. REBIRTH not only pays homage to his earlier creations but also propels his sound into the expansive landscape of rock and metal. The EP showcases his ability to navigate the delicate balance between his established foundations and the uncharted territories of the alternative music scene.
Read more: Brian Swindle Reflects On Have Mercy & The Band’s Growth On ‘NUMB’
Of the release, he shares, “The REBIRTH EP marks a super pivotal moment for myself & Mike’s Dead, as it signifies and embraces this heavier, more metal-leading sound. Starting in the underground lane, I think it’s super important to not only embrace your roots, but embrace the growth in your music and how it’s changed. The REBIRTH EP follows the Revenge EP from 2021 and really kicks into the rock space while still properly blending my original underground sound… I hope this project shows people that Mike’s Dead is truly the next face of industrial.”
As we approach the close of the year and what we still have to look forward to from him, Mike’s Dead shares his thoughts on the albums that fueled his creative fire this year, providing a glimpse into the influences that shaped him. From the illusive Sleep Token to former scene vocalist Sonny Moore, aka Skrillex, here are the albums that Mike’s Dead felt inspired by in 2023.
Take Me Back To Eden — Sleep Token
This band blows me away. I was supposed to do a tour back in 2022 with a few bands, and Sleep Token was the second opener on the bill. I remember checking them out out of curiosity and not really understanding the whole “lore” that these guys have. But the song that did it for me was “Chokehold.” Something about it just absolutely pulled me in, from the raw vocals to the heavy, carefully orchestrated production. It’s no secret these guys are a kickass band, but seeing how they handled their album rollout with constant singles was nuts. They just kept the ball rolling, all while touring across the globe.
One of the things I admire about these guys is the meticulousness in their songs; they’ll have like 8-9 minute songs that go through multiple key changes, vibe changes, etc. “Take Me Back To Eden,” the title track, blows me away from a writing perspective as well as production value. Just an all-around great band. I had the opportunity to see these guys at Louder Than Life this year and honestly thought I’d just catch a song or two, but I stayed for the entire set. Everything from the on stage vibe, the atmosphere, and their insane LD was over the top. I hope these guys keep crushing it. There’s something so raw and real about the music.
EndEx — 3TEETH
I’ll straight up say it: 3TEETH is one of my favorite bands, and I’m happy to call these guys friends. From the industrial metal perspective, this is the peak. These guys have dialed in their sound so well over the last few years that it’s just an instant win. In my opinion, this album is their best body of work. From crushing synth lines to insane guitar tones, the whole album really sets a dystopian nightmare vibe that I absolutely love.
Back in 2020, Lex showed me a bunch of demos for this album. I specifically remember “Slum Planet” being an absolute banger. It was really cool seeing how the demos developed into the full album and watching their rollout process. My top picks are “Slum Planet,” “Alien,” “Drift,” and “Acme Death Machine.” Just give the whole album a listen. In my opinion, these guys are some of the best industrial bands in the sphere right now, and I hope to work or tour with them in the coming years.
Dont Get Too Close & Quest For Fire — Skrillex
It’s not every day artists drop two albums on the same day, especially two different concept albums. As a producer, Don’t Get Too Close is flawless. And I usually hate pop music. There was something so unique and different about Skrillex’s take on the “pop” element that felt real and raw. The dude put crack in the album. For those that don’t know what I’m talking about, Skrillex released two albums the same day. One pop album and one album that was heavier electronic stuff that we’re accustomed to hearing from him. I was way more impressed with the pop album since it’s so hard to make a strong pop album nowadays. I think all pop music sounds the same (it’s the same chords at the end of the day) and incredibly redundant. But this album had this new, worldly, dance-pop vibe that was so entrancing. My top picks are “Way Back,” “Don’t Get Too Close,” and “3am.” On Quest For Fire, my top picks are “RATATA” and “Rumble.”