Avalanche United cover

Released 15 years ago this October

Avalanche United

I Am the Avalanche · 2011

35 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

Raw, energetic punk rock melds personal storytelling with anthemic choruses and driving rhythms that pulse with urgency.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Holy Fuck — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its explosive energy and raw lyrical honesty about life's chaotic moments.
  • →
    Brooklyn Dodgers — A standout anthem reflecting on nostalgia and hometown pride, it encapsulates the band's ability to balance personal themes with catchy hooks.
  • →
    Casey’s Song — This track delivers a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing the band's storytelling prowess amidst vibrant instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with personal storytelling, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a fast tempo with driving guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Choruses are often anthemic and repetitive, encouraging listener participation and sing-alongs.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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, consistent energy levels
  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • reflective lyrical exploration
  • dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context
Avalanche United was I Am the Avalanche's third studio album, following their self-titled release in 2005 and the sophomore album, Avalanche United represents a significant evolution in their sound. Released after a five-year hiatus, this album showcases a more mature approach to songwriting while retaining their punk roots.
Stylistic neighbors
The Menzingers· Pennywise· Against Me!

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Holy Fuck 2:58
  • 2 Brooklyn Dodgers 3:06
  • 3 Amsterdam 2:59
  • 4 I’ll Be Back Around 2:34
  • 5 Is This Really Happening? 3:08
  • 6 This One’s on Me 2:32
  • 7 Dead Friends 3:49
  • 8 You’ve Got Spiders 2:23
  • 9 The Gravedigger’s Argument 2:05
  • 10 Casey’s Song 3:22
  • 11 The Place You Love Is Gone 2:45
  • 12 Gratitude 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata