Coward
Haste the Day · 2015
41 min · 11 tracks · Christian metal
Aggressive riffs intertwine with melodic hooks, creating a visceral exploration of personal struggles and faith.
Top tracks — play these first
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Coward — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, driven by intense instrumentation that mirrors the lyrical anguish.
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Reconcile — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between aggression and melody, highlighting the struggle for forgiveness and healing amidst turmoil.
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Fail — With its candid examination of failure and redemption, this song captures a pivotal emotional moment on the album, showcasing Ryan's powerful vocal delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive and melodic elements effectively but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs that maintain a high tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective melody.
- Several tracks incorporate breakdowns that shift dynamics dramatically, creating tension before resolving into melodic choruses.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- visceral exploration of struggle
- aggressive energy for workouts
- cathartic release of tension
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- punchy tracks with urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, soothing sounds
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2015, 'Coward' is Haste the Day's fifth studio album and marks their return after a five-year hiatus since 'Attack of the Wolf King.' The album features a lineup change, with vocalist Jimmy Ryan taking the helm, signaling a fresh direction while still rooted in the band's established sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Underoath· August Burns Red· The Devil Wears Prada
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Reconcile
The bridge confronts a past mistake directly, shifting from general reflections to a stark admission of guilt.
This shift not only deepens the emotional impact but also represents a crucial turning point in the narrative arc of seeking reconciliation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Begin 3:21
- 2 Take 2:27
- 3 World 3:44
- 4 Coward 3:05
- 5 Lost 3:28
- 6 Reconcile 3:55
- 7 Shadow 3:33
- 8 Fail 4:01
- 9 Accept 4:25
- 10 Secret 3:56
- 11 Gnaw 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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