Common Dead is classified as melodic death metal[8] by various sources, although the band touches on melodic thrash metal,[8]groove metal, and alternative metal influences. Laurenson was the band's sole proprietor and performed all instrumentation for all recorded efforts. He played lead/rhythm guitar and vocals for live occasions.[9]
Common Dead debuted with a self-titled album in 2009.[10] In an interview with Metal-Rules.com,[4] Laurenson commented that the band revolves around a melodic guitar influence and raw, forthright vocals. A four-track EP was released in January 2011 entitled Interim Flesh, which experimented with industrial metal influences[11] not typical of the band's style. The EP scored warm praise from critics.[12][13]
The band released an album Diatribe in February 2012. It was met with generally positive reviews from numerous sources.[9][14][15][16] Three music videos were released for the album. One titled "Critical Mass" was broadcast on Underground Video TV.[17][18][19][20] The following year, the album Allegorize was released.[21]
Metal Underground posted an interview after a raw mix for a Fear Factory cover came out on YouTube. Common Dead recorded a cover for "Flashpoint" as one instrumentalist. They also announced that new members would be joining the band for live performances.[22] A break in activity was confirmed in 2013 as Laurenson moved towards other projects, including work under his natural name.[23][24]