A Predator's Portrait
Soilwork · 2001
45 min · 10 tracks · melodic death metal
A blistering mix of intricate melodies and aggressive rhythms that showcases the band's signature blend of brutality and sophistication.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bastard Chain Start here — Opening with a relentless guitar riff, this track exemplifies Soilwork's ability to fuse melody with aggression, establishing the album's intense tone right from the start.
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Structure Divine — This song features a dynamic interplay between harsh vocals and melodic choruses, encapsulating the band's signature sound while showcasing lyrical depth.
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A Predator’s Portrait — The title track serves as a thematic centerpiece of the album, combining intricate musicianship with introspective lyrics that highlight the band’s artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances aggression with melody, featuring strong compositions and skilled performances that define its sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features fast-paced tracks with aggressive guitar riffs and double bass drumming, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied tempos.
- Vocals alternate between harsh growls and clean singing, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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6/10
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
- steady energetic flow throughout
- hauntingly intricate soundscapes
- inner turmoil exploration in music
- focused listening for emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid complex emotional narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped solidify Soilwork's reputation in the melodic death metal genre.
- Career context
- By the time 'A Predator's Portrait' was released in January 2001, Soilwork had already established themselves within the melodic death metal scene with their previous album, 'The Chainheart Machine'. This record marked a pivotal moment as it showcased their evolution into more melodic and accessible territory while retaining their aggressive roots, setting the stage for their future commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- In Flames· Dark Tranquillity· Arch Enemy
Tracklist
- 1 Bastard Chain Start here 4:02
- 2 Like the Average Stalker 4:30
- 3 Needlefeast 4:06
- 4 Neurotica Rampage 4:44
- 5 The Analyst 4:42
- 6 Grand Failure Anthem 5:20
- 7 Structure Divine 4:06
- 8 Shadowchild 4:38
- 9 Final Fatal Force 4:59
- 10 A Predator’s Portrait 4:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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