Single Review: “Dead but Dreaming” by Oblivion
“Dead but Dreaming” Single Art. Courtesy of Oblivion
Artist: Oblivion
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Unsigned
Previewed Music: 1 Tracks (3 minutes, 26 seconds)
"Dead but Dreaming" (Single, July 2nd, 2026)
Suspended by nothing beyond a muffled, yet driven percussion line, ethereal tones of guitar haunt the air as the early moments build. The serenity is quickly dashed by an echoed fervor of lighter vocals chanting: “..insanity..”, as Oblivion enters the airwaves with their debut single, “Dead but Dreaming”. Hailing from the New England Region (US), Oblivion is championed by a duo of industry veterans, Corey Prokowiew (WindWalkers, When One Falls) and Brian Hope (Wind Walkers, Kerrigan). Returning to the scene with a creative fire, this pair seeks to turn some heads with “Dead but Dreaming”.
Listeners are greeted by the silky voice of Corey Prokowiew gliding over the skeletal guitar and percussive loop in the opening verse, prior to the entry of the anchored, driving bassline. Through tactfully selected lyrics, Prokowiew depicts a detailed narrative as the listener becomes cognizant of their immediate surroundings -
“Rigor mortis has yet to set in
These coffin walls have never whispered so damn loud
The over growth wants to bargain
Roots from flowers reaching for my skin”
Captivated by this poetic nature, the listeners are pulled into the chorus with the powerful lead: “…I’ve never felt so grounded / In a shallow grave I dream…”, but the track barrels ahead to reveal more pieces from this internal rumination. It is obvious that Oblivion is in touch with the current scene and writing methods, as the bookend to the chorus is a masterful breakdown, littered with the raw intensity of Prokowiew. Channeling a message of what seems to be ‘pick yourself up and get over it’, this segment stands as an inspiring display of vigor, driving the point home.
Within this single, there are three specific lyrics that I love and two of them arrive effortlessly in the second verse -
“How long does it take for a rotted soul to descend?”
“I’ve died once I guess I can do it again”
It is challenging to match how visceral those lines sound in context. If we can pull any implication or meaning from this, we may be witnessing an outright “resurrection” for this duo.
Oblivion, 2026 - Corey Prokowiew and Brian Hope
Following a second visitation to the chorus, the hook which marked Oblivion’s return on social media, introduces the pending breakdown as Prokowiew bares his soul:
“Life’s been great since I died, huh?”
From the meticulous lyrics to the crafted instrumentals, the composition of “Dead but Dreaming” is a masterclass in balance and structure. Each moment not only embraces, but immediately plays off the complimentary energy of its counterpart. While this talent should probably be expected from industry veterans such as these, it doesn’t take away how remarkable of an entrance this is for Oblivion to the metalcore scene. Whatever comes next is going to be a DO NOT MISS on the radar!
In a genre of increasing parity and mainstream radio hits, “Dead but Dreaming” by Oblivion ranks as a tier above, and is undoubtedly one of the most refreshing tracks we have heard out of 2026 - let alone an artist debut! Do yourself a favor and take this one for a couple spins. - NB
FFO:Wind Walkers, What Lies Below, Until I Wake, Ocean Sleeper, If Not For Me
Official Music Video:
OBLIVION 2026
Lyrics:
Rigor mortis has yet to set in
These coffin walls have never whispered so damn loud
The over growth wants to bargain
Roots from flowers reaching for my skin
Stuck beneath the surface
Not a soul to mourn my demise
Comatose lethargic
I’ve never felt so grounded
In a shallow grave I dream
But every second I waste holds a promise I couldn’t keep
Such a tragedy to live and breathe
Something must be wrong with me
Please cure my insanity
Get up
No condemnation
Right now
Get the fuck up
I think it’s time I learn to let go
How longs it take for a rotted soul to descend
Who would have thought I’d have the option
I’ve died once I guess I can do it again
I can hear the footsteps fading to the wind
Tell me was it my procession
Not a chance in the world
The eulogy has spoken
From the earth to the clouds redemption cleanse me
At times I feel so grounded
In a shallow grave I dream
But every second I waste holds a promise I couldn’t keep
Such a tragedy to live and breathe
Something must be wrong with me
Please cure my insanity
Life’s been great since I died huh?
"Grow"
Tossing in the darkness
Sorrow stricken and I’ve had enough of it
Tell me is it worth it
To claw my way back
When I can’t see the light
I’m grounded
In a shallow grave I dream
But I’m ready to let go
It’s such a tragedy to live and breathe
Prescribe me hope I beg I plead
Just cure my insanity
Prescribe me hope I’ll overdose
To cure my insanity