A Violent Emotion cover

A Violent Emotion

Aesthetic Perfection · 2008

49 min · 10 tracks · electronic body music

A darkly pulsating blend of electronic body music infused with provocative lyrics and an industrial edge.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spit It Out — This track stands out due to its infectious energy and biting lyrics that critique societal norms, making it an anthem for personal liberation.
  • →
    The Great Depression — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song encapsulates the emotional turmoil prevalent throughout the album, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Schadenfreude — This track cleverly blends dark humor with danceable beats, representing a thematic exploration of pleasure derived from others' misfortunes, which is central to the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album features strong electronic elements and thematic consistency but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first four tracks maintain a driving tempo with aggressive beats, while the fifth track introduces a more subdued atmosphere with softer instrumentation.
  • Several tracks feature layered synths that create a dense soundscape, particularly in 'The Great Depression' and 'Arsenic on the Rocks'.
  • The album employs a consistent use of dark themes and provocative lyrics, which are prominent in tracks like 'Spit It Out' and 'Living the Wasted Life'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • darkly pulsating dance energy
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • provocative lyrics for reflection
  • late-night underground vibe

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lighthearted, upbeat sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time A Violent Emotion was released in 2008, Aesthetic Perfection had established themselves as key players in the electronic body music scene following their 2005 debut, Close to Human. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more abrasive and aggressive approach while retaining their melodic sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
Combichrist· Grendel· VNV Nation

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Violence 1:18
  • 2 Spit It Out 5:41
  • 3 Schadenfreude 5:55
  • 4 The Siren 4:44
  • 5 A Quiet Anthem 5:20
  • 6 Living the Wasted Life 5:02
  • 7 The Great Depression 4:58
  • 8 Pale 6:18
  • 9 Arsenic on the Rocks 4:10
  • 10 The Ones 6:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata