Cult Fiction cover

Cult Fiction

Spitfire · 2008

49 min · 15 tracks · metalcore

A relentless barrage of dissonant riffs and visceral screams encapsulates the chaotic essence of modern metalcore.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chemo Therapist — This track stands out for its intense exploration of cancer and mortality, characterized by jarring shifts in tempo that mirror the chaos of the subject matter.
  • →
    Mother Earth In Labor — Here, the band juxtaposes brutal instrumentation with poignant observations about environmental degradation, creating a powerful critique wrapped in visceral sound.
  • →
    Meth Monster — This track effectively captures the destructive nature of addiction through frenetic rhythms and harrowing lyrics, making it an impactful centerpiece of the album.
  • →
    Pro-Life — With a title that provocatively engages with ethical debates, this song uses dynamic shifts in aggression to reflect the complexities surrounding its theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases aggressive riffs and varied vocal styles but lacks standout compositions for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dissonant guitar riffs that dominate the majority of tracks, creating a chaotic soundscape.
  • Vocals alternate between guttural screams and melodic passages, often within the same song, enhancing the emotional intensity.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that shift abruptly from fast-paced sections to slower, heavier breakdowns.
  • The last three tracks serve as an atmospheric conclusion, with 'Ω' featuring ambient elements that contrast sharply with the preceding aggression.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Arrhythmia Drift 3:46
  • 2 Chemo Therapist 3:36
  • 3 Apnea 1 3:14
  • 4 Crossed 3:00
  • 5 Mother Earth In Labor 2:40
  • 6 Dawn Patrol 1:52
  • 7 The Animal Kingdom Of Heaven's Gate 1:16
  • 8 Track Marxist 4:39
  • 9 Brain Debris 3:00
  • 10 Pro-Life 3:14
  • 11 Meth Monster 3:39
  • 12 Meat Maker 6:04
  • 13 Apnea 2 1:32
  • 14 In Vitro 4:11
  • 15 Ω 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata