Beautiful Machine
Shihad · 2008
49 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Dynamic riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a sound that balances aggression and vulnerability within alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beautiful Machine — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of identity and existential reflection, highlighted by its compelling blend of melodic hooks and powerful instrumentation.
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Waiting Round for God — This song stands out for its haunting melody paired with introspective lyrics that delve into themes of faith and disillusionment, making it a poignant highlight of the album.
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The Bible and the Gun — With its provocative title and social commentary, this track showcases Shihad's ability to tackle complex themes through sharp lyrics and dynamic musicality, representing a bold statement on societal issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic and introspective moments effectively, showcasing solid songwriting and arrangement.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, establishing a high-energy opening.
- Tracks four through six shift to more introspective themes, incorporating softer instrumentation and reflective lyrics.
- The album closes with a gradual decrease in tempo, with the last two tracks featuring extended instrumental sections that create a sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- introspective lyrics with raw emotion
- dynamic riffs that energize movement
- reflective moments amidst aggressive sound
- late-night contemplation with intensity
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer purely upbeat energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Shihad released Beautiful Machine in 2008, they were already well-established in the alternative rock scene, having formed in 1988 and released several acclaimed albums. This record followed their 2005 release, Love is the New Hate, showcasing a band continuing to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helmet· Deftones· Stone Sour
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hard to Please
The verses build tension through a repeated questioning of self-worth and perception, culminating in a chorus that shifts to a more confrontational tone.
This structural shift emphasizes internal conflict while contrasting vulnerability with an assertive declaration of individuality.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 One Will Hear the Other 4:01
- 2 Rule the World 4:22
- 3 Hard to Please 3:59
- 4 Beautiful Machine 4:14
- 5 Vampires 4:03
- 6 Count It Up 2:22
- 7 Waiting Round for God 5:12
- 8 Chameleon 3:36
- 9 Eliza 4:38
- 10 The Bible and the Gun 4:22
- 11 When You Coming Home? 3:43
- 12 The Prophet 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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