Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà-Vu
Suicidal Tendencies · 1989
39 min · 9 tracks · hardcore punk
Raucous guitars and frenetic rhythms collide with introspective lyrics, embodying the chaos of late '80s punk and metal fusion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Master of No Mercy Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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How Will I Laugh Tomorrow (video edit) — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of heavy instrumentation and introspective lyrics, reflecting on themes of despair and resilience amid chaos.
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Controlled by Hatred — With its explosive energy and aggressive riffs, this track captures the raw intensity of the album while addressing inner turmoil and societal pressures.
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Feel Like Shit… Deja‐Vu — The song offers a visceral exploration of feelings of repetition and despair, using sharp lyrical imagery that resonates with listeners navigating similar struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive punk with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting and energetic performances.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes and dynamic shifts, creating a sense of unpredictability throughout the record.
- The lyrics often juxtapose personal struggles with aggressive instrumentation, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- wave-like pacing with intensity
- cathartic bursts of aggression
- dynamic progression with peaks
- short tracks for quick bursts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow and slow tempos
- seek polished, radio-friendly sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation in crossover thrash, following a successful prior release.
- Themes
- inner turmoil· late '80s chaos· societal pressures
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà-Vu is Suicidal Tendencies' fourth studio album and follows their commercially successful 1987 release, Join the Army. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the crossover thrash genre, blending aggressive punk and metal influences while grappling with internal changes, including lineup adjustments.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Municipal Waste· Anthrax· Sick of It All
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How Will I Laugh Tomorrow (video edit)
The narrative shifts from reflection to a stark confrontation with despair, highlighting an internal battle between hope and hopelessness.
This change in tone creates a jarring contrast that deepens the emotional impact, forcing listeners to confront the complexities of mental health.
Tracklist
- 1 Master of No Mercy Start here 2:38
- 2 How Will I Laugh Tomorrow (video edit) 4:41
- 3 Just Another Love Song 3:16
- 4 Waking the Dead 6:54
- 5 Controlled by Hatred 5:38
- 6 Choosing My Own Way of Life 3:05
- 7 Feel Like Shit… Deja‐Vu 2:53
- 8 It’s Not Easy 3:59
- 9 How Will I Laugh Tomorrow (Heavy Emotion version) 6:31
What to play next
How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today
1990
Continues the intense energy with deeper introspection and sonic exploration.
Join the Army
1987
Sets the stage with a similar punk-metal fusion and thematic elements.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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