What makes 17th Street by Hammers of Misfortune notable?

Upon its release, '17th Street' was noted for its ambitious compositions and thoughtful lyrics, receiving positive reviews from various publications such as Metal Injection and Decibel Magazine. The album's blend of heavy metal with elements of folk and rock made it a noteworthy entry in the progressive metal genre and helped to further establish Hammers of Misfortune as a unique voice in contemporary metal. By the time of the release of '17th Street', Hammers of Misfortune were solidifying their position within the progressive metal scene following their critically acclaimed album 'The Locust Years' in 2008. This record marked their continued exploration of diverse themes and complex arrangements, showcasing both their musical evolution and commitment to artistic integrity.

How many songs are on 17th Street?

17th Street has 9 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

17th Street

Hammers of Misfortune · 2011

49 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A rich tapestry of progressive metal that weaves intricate melodies with dark, atmospheric undertones and lyrical depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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17th Street — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of urban decay, combining haunting melodies with powerful instrumentation that reflects the band's signature style.
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The Day the City Died — This track stands out for its narrative depth, portraying a vivid story through dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, illustrating the band's storytelling prowess.
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Going Somewhere — At ten minutes long, this epic closer showcases the band's ability to craft expansive soundscapes while maintaining emotional intensity and lyrical introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious compositions and varied vocal styles contribute to its strong presence in progressive metal.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase intricate guitar work and layered harmonies.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 317 3:39
2 17th Street 4:40
3 The Grain 7:13
4 Staring (The 31st Floor) 3:47
5 The Day the City Died 4:30
6 Romance Valley 5:18
7 Summer Tears 6:36
8 Grey Wednesday 3:58
9 Going Somewhere 10:05

What to play next

Listen next

Unholy Cadaver

2011

Go back to

Fields/Church of Broken Glass

2008

Full Hammers of Misfortune discography Artists like Hammers of Misfortune

progressive metal

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