Bitterness the Star cover

Bitterness the Star

36 Crazyfists · 2002

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal

A blend of heavy riffs and emotive melodies, channeling a raw intensity through alternative metal and metalcore influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Turns to Ashes — The opening track sets an aggressive tone with intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate the band's emotional intensity. It introduces listeners to the juxtaposition of heaviness and melody that defines the album.
  • →
    Slit Wrist Theory — This track exemplifies the band's fusion of melodic elements with hardcore energy, featuring anthemic choruses that resonate emotionally while maintaining a powerful edge. Its thematic exploration of pain and resilience is a highlight of the album.
  • →
    Bury Me Where I Fall — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song showcases a softer side of the band while still retaining a heavy undertone. It stands out as a poignant reflection on loss and longing.

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 heavy riffs with emotional vocals, showcasing metalcore elements but lacks overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a heavy, aggressive track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Vocals alternate between melodic singing and harsh screaming, creating a dynamic contrast that emphasizes emotional intensity.
  • Several tracks feature breakdowns that shift abruptly from melodic sections to heavy riffs, characteristic of metalcore's structure.
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 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

  • introspective emotional exploration
  • short, impactful listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2002, 36 Crazyfists released Bitterness the Star as their debut studio album, following their earlier EP, which had garnered attention in the metalcore scene. This record marked their entrance into the mainstream, showcasing their distinctive sound that would define their career trajectory.
Stylistic neighbors
Himsa· Shadows Fall· Killswitch Engage

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Turns to Ashes 3:17
  • 2 One More Word 3:39
  • 3 An Agreement Called Forever 3:22
  • 4 Eightminutesupsidedown 3:17
  • 5 Slit Wrist Theory 4:01
  • 6 Bury Me Where I Fall 3:35
  • 7 Dislocate 3:45
  • 8 Two Months From a Year 4:24
  • 9 Chalk White 3:41
  • 10 All I Am 4:30
  • 11 Ceramic 3:03
  • 12 Circle the Drain 3:41
  • 13 Left Hand Charity 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata