What makes Any Joy by As Friends Rust notable?

The album has garnered attention for its critical reception, with many publications praising the band's ability to blend lyrical depth with energetic compositions. It has reinvigorated interest in the emotional hardcore genre, inspiring both old fans and new listeners alike. Any Joy marks As Friends Rust's first full-length album in two decades, following their 2003 release, which made significant waves in the melodic hardcore scene. The band reunites to explore new themes while maintaining their distinctive emotional edge, demonstrating both growth and a return to form.

Any Joy works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, short, impactful listening sessions and introspective and reflective moods.

How many songs are on Any Joy?

Any Joy has 9 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Any Joy

As Friends Rust · 2023

31 min · 9 tracks · melodic hardcore

A fusion of emotional melodies and hardcore intensity, driving forward with poignant lyrics and intricate instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Final Form — The opening track sets a powerful tone for the album, combining urgent instrumentals with introspective lyrics that lay the groundwork for the themes explored throughout.
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No Gods, Some Masters — This track stands out with its raw energy and a message of defiance against authority, encapsulating the spirit of emotional hardcore while showcasing the band's lyrical prowess.
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Last of the Famous International Scumbags — With its catchy hooks and dynamic shifts, this track highlights the band's knack for blending melody with intensity, making it a memorable anthem on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends emotional depth with energetic compositions, showcasing strong writing and production.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent tempo and aggressive instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective section.
Lyrical themes of personal struggle and societal critique are woven throughout, with verses often alternating between melodic singing and intense shouting.
The album's final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, contrasting with the high-energy opening.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
short, impactful listening sessions
introspective and reflective moods
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Any Joy marks As Friends Rust's first full-length album in two decades, following their 2003 release, which made significant waves in the melodic hardcore scene. The band reunites to explore new themes while maintaining their distinctive emotional edge, demonstrating both growth and a return to form.
Stylistic neighbors: Shai Hulud· Earth Crisis· The Bouncing Souls

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Positive Mental Platitude

The lyrics shift from surface-level optimism to a deeper self-reflection on personal struggles.

This transition illustrates the contrast between societal expectations and personal reality, deepening the emotional impact of the song.