A History of Violence
Jedi Mind Tricks · 2008
45 min · 14 tracks · rapping
A relentless exploration of dark themes and intricate lyricism backed by gritty, hard-hitting beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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Deathbed Doctrine — This track encapsulates the album's dark narrative style, utilizing vivid imagery and introspective themes to engage listeners on a personal level.
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Heavy Artillery — With its aggressive delivery and powerful beat, this track exemplifies the duo's ability to merge hard-hitting production with thought-provoking lyrics about struggle and conflict.
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Godflesh — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere and exploration of existential themes, showcasing the group's unique fusion of philosophical inquiry with raw emotional intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate lyricism and gritty production create a strong identity, though its interludes disrupt overall flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of interludes that break up the flow, with three interludes strategically placed after every few tracks.
- The production is characterized by heavy, distorted beats and dark samples that complement the aggressive themes throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gritty beats for intense focus
- dark themes for deep reflection
- interludes create haunting pauses
- relentless pacing demands attention
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lighthearted, upbeat vibes
- prefer straightforward, catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A History of Violence' was released in 2008, Jedi Mind Tricks had solidified their reputation within the underground hip-hop scene following their breakthrough album 'Violent by Design' in 2004. This album marked a continuation of their complex narratives and thematic depth, showcasing their evolution as artists committed to addressing challenging topics through their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Immortal Technique· Vinnie Paz· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 1:06
- 2 Deathbed Doctrine 4:24
- 3 Deadly Melody 4:34
- 4 Monolith 3:38
- 5 Those With No Eyes (interlude) 1:22
- 6 Trail of Lies 4:27
- 7 Heavy Artillery 3:42
- 8 Seance of Shamans 4:10
- 9 Geometry in Static (interlude) 0:51
- 10 Godflesh 4:09
- 11 Terror 4:02
- 12 Butcher Knife Bloodbath 3:55
- 13 The Sixth Gate Shines No More (interlude) 0:48
- 14 Death Messiah 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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