What makes A Cruel World by Bloodsimple notable?

A Cruel World received positive reviews from critics, landing on several 'best of' lists for the year and helping to establish Bloodsimple within the alternative metal scene. The album's themes resonated with listeners, contributing to its underground success, leading to tours with notable bands like Fear Factory. Released in early 2005, A Cruel World was Bloodsimple's debut album following their formation in 2002. The band emerged from the ashes of the influential hardcore group Vision of Disorder, marking a significant transition into a heavier sound that showcased their evolution in style and ambition.

How many songs are on A Cruel World?

A Cruel World has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

A Cruel World

Bloodsimple · 2005

44 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

Aggressive riffs and haunting melodies collide, creating a relentless exploration of despair and inner turmoil.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Straight Hate — Opening with a blistering intensity, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its raw energy and confrontational lyrics that explore feelings of anger and frustration.
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Cruel World — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and disillusionment, featuring haunting melodies that juxtapose its heavy instrumentation.
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Blood in Blood Out — This track showcases a dynamic blend of aggressive riffs and melodic elements, making it a standout representation of Bloodsimple's unique sound within the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong dynamics but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high level of intensity with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
The final three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a more reflective conclusion to the album's themes of despair.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
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 Straight Hate 4:45
2 Path to Prevail 3:16
3 What If I Lost It 3:24
4 Blood in Blood Out 2:19
5 Sell Me Out 3:38
6 Leaving Song 4:32
7 Running From Nothing 4:11
8 Cruel World 3:55
9 Flatlined 4:13
10 Falling Backwards 3:50
11 Plunder 6:45

What to play next

Listen next

Red Harvest

2007

Full Bloodsimple discography Artists like Bloodsimple

alternative metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata