Formed in Vancouver, Canada, Theory of a Deadman received a big break when they were the first band signed to 604 Records in 2001. The label was founded by Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and he took a definite interest in the group. In fact, he collaborated on over half the songs on Theory of a Deadman's 2002 debut album.
Theory of a Deadman
One could argue that Chad Kroeger took too much of an interest in the first release on his new album and that it ultimately hurt Theory of a Deadman. Since Kroeger co-produced the disc and co-wrote over half of the songs, it's no surprise that the release sounds a lot like his group Nickelback.
Since Nickelback has been referred to in numerous articles as one of the "most hated bands" around, that connection was arguably a help and a hindrance for Theory of a Deadman. Certainly, despite that derogatory label, Nickelback has a legion of fans, so the connection arguably went a long way with those who like Kroeger's band.
The biggest complaint about the first Theory of a Deadman album was that it was far from original. One has to wonder if, without the influence of Kroeger, the group might have created a more unique sound. Certainly they displayed some hints of other sounds, but the Nickelback reference was heavy handed and overwhelming. So, the disc was accessible and appealed to fans of Nickelback, but really didn't show a lot of originality.
Gasoline
Three years passed between the debut Theory of a Deadman album and its follow up "Gasoline." There were definitely changes in sound present. Chad Kroeger didn't directly participate in the production or writing of the album, giving the group a little more room to breathe and create their own sound.
The result was an album that still had a lot of sonic ties to Nickelback, but managed to put some distance between that reference at times, too. The first album had shown some minor nods to grunge, and those sounds were more prevalent on "Gasoline." Still, not many would have considered Theory of a Deadman's sound to be original on "Gasoline." The changes were minor.
Scars & Souvenirs
By 2008, when Nickelback released "Scars & Souvenirs,'" the Nickelback sounds had become so entrenched in their own musical tool box, that one could consider it to be "the Theory of a Deadman" sound. So, when they essentially rehashed the first two albums, it might have been more Theory of a Deadman channeling Theory of a Deadman than copying Nickelback. Either way, the album would only appeal to those who enjoyed their first two albums. Of course, fans that wanted to hear some musical growth would be disappointed, because there was little to be found.
The Truth Is...
Perhaps Theory of a Deadman should have considered the title of their 2011 release a bit more carefully. It certainly left room for critics to "fill in the blanks." And, with the intently derivative sound the group created on the disc, there was plenty of room for criticism.
The truth is, just like their obvious mentors, NIckelback, Theory of a Deadman had earned themselves a loyal fanbase at the same time they had garnered critics who hated them. With a sound and history so closely tied to Nickelback, the comparisons were just too obvious. The music didn't make any effort to dissuade them, either.
While the future might find Theory of a Deadman working to create a more original sound, their history says that it's not likely. The truth is, just like Nickelback, those who enjoy Theory of a Deadman will defend their heroes. There probably isn't a lot of middle ground, though, because their form of un-original pop rock leaves plenty of room for criticism.
One thing that can be said about Theory of a Deadman into the first part of 2012, is that they are consistent. Buying a new Theory of a Deadman album is a lot like getting a burger from a fast food chain. You know what you are getting going in because it's just more of the same. Either you like it or you don't, but it's a known commodity.
