REVIEW: Royal Blood - Dead Company

While some may argue that there is only so much one can achieve with just a bass and drums, ROYAL BLOOD continues to evolve their rock and roll sound which showcases the full extent of their artistic expression. After three years, Dead Company is used as a positive mantra to keep pushing for both the band and Mike Kerr’s progression throughout their personal life. Nostalgia plays a huge role within the current music climate and it’s evident that ROYAL BLOOD are pulling elements from their self titled album Royal Blood, and How Did We Get So Dark. Providing both high energy tracks that get listeners ready for combat and slower tracks that force reflection, the ten track album has something for everyone. 

The first four tracks of the album offer familiar territory for fans, building on their growing affection for each single. The title track, Dead Company, explores themes of being surrounded by negative influences and how that could bring your own self worth down. The perseverance to survive and conquer one’s own destiny sets the tone for the rest of the album. The first single, Ten Over Ten, highlights an all or nothing determination that pushes people towards their goals. Featuring whiplash inducing drums and storming bass, fans were thrown back to the roots of ROYAL BLOOD. Swallow The Bomb is an adrenaline fuelled track that is driven confronting and digesting one’s inner monologues and doubts. One that transforms introspection into an irresistible urge to dance. 

Mother Never Told You is characterised by a chorus filled with pounding drums by Ben Thatcher and the thrilling gnarly bass riffs produced by Mike Kerr. Accompanied by steady verses, the track channels a similar essence to Honeybrains. Take Em All takes an indie rock route whilst rejecting lingering ties to the past and acting towards personal liberation. The slower pace to Take Em All contradicts the energetic and riff heavy tracks before. 

Themes of being trapped by impending doom and past dreams appear within the middle of the album. Opening with intricate bass melodies, Ride explores themes of attempting to outrun any impending doom. Constantly being on the move and keeping yourself distracted can lead to burn out. Yet a motivation floods the track. Rear View Mirror highlights being trapped by your current troubles and big dreams. The narrator is tired of constantly looking back and has a deep understanding that they should move forward. Determination and resilience floods the tracks with a catchy chorus. 

Driven by heavily distorted bass lines, Tapping Out explores the journey to sobriety. Mike Kerr offers hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles, helping to make sobriety more accepted in the rock scene. The powerful song contains an infectious chorus built for echoing throughout stadiums. Sandwiched between the middle and the end of the album, two tracks help mellow the pace of the album: Nowhere To Be Found and The Closer. 

Whilst Nowhere To Be Found is the least complex song, anchored by a steady groove,  there is a prominent focus on the lyrical depth explored. There is a constant reminder that “You are the narrator of your own story” as every characteristic can be accepted and used to positively change one’s life.

The final track, The Closer, opens with a moody yet restrained atmosphere before offering steady instrumental from the duo. Acknowledging the support of loved ones gives the narrator a more optimistic perspective. Featuring an instrumental finish, The Closer is guided by steady drums and a spiraling bass that carries the song to its definitive end. Whilst some tracks find homes in new playlists and some become forgotten, the overarching lyrics strike a motivational passage as they explore their own life experiences. ROYAL BLOOD have proven their ability to evolve their sound whilst playing on nostalgia. There is more to explore with just a bass guitar and a drum set. 

Score: 9/10

Dead Company was released on 6th November 2026 via Warner Records.

Words: Theviya R Karunaharan

Photos: Royal Blood