Type O Negative - Life Is Killing Me

Life Is Killing Me is a Type O Negative album praised for its blend of their signature gloom with Peter Steele's dark humor, featuring a mix of styles from melodic and orchestral to punk-influenced tracks. While some critics found its humor less effective or the sound less potent than previous works, many consider it a strong, memorable entry in the band's discography, especially for longtime fans. Key tracks include the covers "I Don't Wanna Be Me" and "Angry Inch," as well as personal songs like "Nettie" and "Todd's Ship Gods".

Originally written by Ryan Plunkett

Type O Negative is a band that I’ve been a long time fan of, and needless to say, I couldn’t wait to hear their new album, Life is Killing Me. Four years between now and when World Coming Down from 1999 was too long for me. I know there are quite a few fans that were disappointed in World Coming Down, and even front man/bassist Peter Steele has said he was not happy with the album. I, on the other hand, dug it almost as much as October Rust, so I had some high expectations with this album.

Not many bands can have such a different range of sound on one album and pull it off smoothly. Type O Negative happens to be one of the few. Within the soundscape that is Life is Killing Me, you will find an upbeat punk sound (“I Don’t Wanna Be Me” and “Angry Itch”), some 60’s vibe stuff (“Ship Gods (Above All Things)”), 70’s kind of psychedelic stuff (“We Were (Electrocute)”), and just plain downtrodden dark music like they’ve always done (“How Could She”).

I’ve always loved the sound of Kenny Hickey’s over-distorted guitars – they’ve always worked nice with the band’s sound. Josh Silver’s ambient gothic keyboards add to the ensemble, along with Johnny Kelly’s drumming. But the reason I dig Type O so much is because of Peter Steele’s amazing vocals. Without them, there is no Type O Negative. I don’t think anyone could get the range that he has – from the subtle, smooth, and deep baritone style (he’s like the goth version of Barry White) to his higher vokills, it all fits the music perfectly.

I didn’t think I would see the day when Type O Negative would be able to top October Rust, but they may have done it with their latest release. It’s very neck and neck for me, because I loved every song on October Rust. If you were disappointed with World Coming Down, I encourage you to give them a second chance and pick this album up. If you haven’t heard much Type O Negative, I recommend you check this release out, as it gives you a little taste of each album they’ve done. I can say right now, this is a major contender for my end of the year list. I haven’t enjoyed depression this much in a while.

Ripped to MP3

01. "Thir13teen" – 1:07

02. "I Don't Wanna Be Me" – 5:08

I. "I Don't Wanna Be Me" – 3:45 (0:00–3:45)

II. "I'm No More" – 1:23 (3:45–5:08)

03. "Less than Zero (<0)" – 5:25

I. "Negative Pleasure (Agony)" – 2:05 (0:00–2:05)

II. "Negative Sustenance (Secretions)" – 1:47 (2:05–3:52)

III. "Negative Pleasure (Agony) (reprise)" – 1:33 (3:52–5:25)

04. "Todd's Ship Gods (Above All Things)" – 4:10

05. "I Like Goils" (feat. former TON member Sal Abruscato) – 2:35

06. "...A Dish Best Served Coldly" – 7:13

07. "How Could She?" – 7:35

I. "How Could She?" – 2:45 (0:00–2:45)

II. "You're Not Real" – 2:09 (2:45–4:54)

III. "How Could She? (reprise)" – 2:41 (4:54–7:35)

08. "Life Is Killing Me" – 6:35

09. "Nettie" – 4:46

10. "(We Were) Electrocute" – 6:38

11. "IYDKMIGTHTKY (Gimme That)" – 6:20

12. "Angry Inch" – 3:39

13. "Anesthesia" – 6:41

14. "Drunk in Paris" – 1:27

15. "The Dream Is Dead" – 5:07

Bonus Disc

01. "Out of the Fire (Kane's theme)" – 3:24

02. "Christian Woman (Butt-Kissing Sell-Out version)" – 4:27

03. "Suspended in Dusk" – 8:39

04. "Blood & Fire (Out of the Ashes mix)" – 4:36

05. "Black Sabbath" – 7:47

06. "Cinnamon Girl (Extended Depression mix)" – 3:53

07. "Haunted (Per version)" – 11:47