Death Letter
Alexisonfire · 2012
35 min · 8 tracks · hardcore punk
A raw and emotive exploration of personal struggles, blending melodic hardcore with introspective lyricism and cathartic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Born and Raised — Opening the EP with a powerful blend of intensity and vulnerability, this track sets the emotional tone for the entire record.
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You Burn First — With its driving rhythms and sharp lyrics, this song captures the essence of betrayal and conflict that permeates the EP.
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Happiness by the Killowatt — This track combines haunting melodies with poignant reflections on existential crises, making it a standout moment on the EP.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong songwriting and emotional delivery, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and high-energy drumming, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo with a focus on melodic elements.
- The EP closes with a track that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution after the intense preceding songs.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo emotional flow
- fervent guitar riffs energize listeners
- immersive in-order listening experience
- reflective moments amidst raw energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2012, Death Letter is Alexisonfire's first EP after their disbandment in 2011. The band had previously announced their hiatus, which added significance to this release as fans eagerly awaited new material from the influential group.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Used· Silverstein· Underoath
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Midnight Regulations
The bridge shifts abruptly to a more reflective tone, contrasting the earlier aggression with an introspective plea for clarity.
This shift not only highlights the internal conflict but also emphasizes the emotional depth present throughout the EP.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Born and Raised 4:53
- 2 Midnight Regulations 5:39
- 3 You Burn First 3:03
- 4 Accept Crime 3:49
- 5 Burial 3:35
- 6 Happiness by the Killowatt 5:04
- 7 Boiled Frogs 5:30
- 8 The Northern 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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