What makes Damned If You Do by Metal Church notable?

'Damned If You Do' received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, affirming Metal Church's enduring relevance in the heavy metal genre. The album features a strong chart performance, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, which highlights its impact within the metal community. Released on December 7, 2018, 'Damned If You Do' is Metal Church's eleventh studio album and their first since the return of vocalist Mike Howe after his hiatus. This album marks a significant moment in their career as it showcases a renewed creative vigor and solidifies their legacy in the heavy metal scene following their previous release, 'XI', in 2016.

Who is Damned If You Do for?

Damned If You Do works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, steady, consistent energy levels and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Damned If You Do?

Damned If You Do has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Damned If You Do

Metal Church · 2018

45 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless fusion of heavy metal and thrash energy, punctuated by soaring vocals and intricate guitar riffs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Damned If You Do — The title track sets the tone for the entire album with its aggressive riffs and thought-provoking lyrics about resilience in the face of adversity.
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Revolution Underway — This track showcases a blend of melodic hooks and thrash intensity, addressing themes of social unrest that resonate with contemporary listeners.
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Guillotine — With its driving rhythm and powerful choruses, this song exemplifies Metal Church's classic sound while incorporating modern elements, appealing to both old fans and newcomers.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong songwriting with skilled performances, maintaining energy while exploring varied dynamics.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the latter tracks.
Guitar solos are prominent throughout, often featuring intricate harmonies and rapid-fire riffs that showcase technical skill.
Vocal melodies frequently alternate between aggressive verses and soaring choruses, creating a dynamic contrast within each song.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
intense focus and engagement

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on December 7, 2018, 'Damned If You Do' is Metal Church's eleventh studio album and their first since the return of vocalist Mike Howe after his hiatus. This album marks a significant moment in their career as it showcases a renewed creative vigor and solidifies their legacy in the heavy metal scene following their previous release, 'XI', in 2016.
Stylistic neighbors: Overkill· Testament· Annihilator