Determination cover

Determination

God Forbid · 2001

46 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless blend of thrash metal aggression and melodic metalcore intricacies that showcases raw emotional intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Divide My Destiny — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound, merging heavy guitar riffs with poignant lyrical themes about self-empowerment and resilience.
  • →
    Determination, Part 1 — Opening with an impactful rhythm section, this song sets the tone for the album’s exploration of struggle and perseverance, showcasing vocal and instrumental dynamics.
  • →
    Broken Promise — This track features a compelling balance of melodic choruses and aggressive verses, representing the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive thrash with melodic elements, showcasing a solid but not composition.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features aggressive thrash riffs and fast tempos, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and slower passages.
  • Tracks 7 and 8 are split into two parts, creating a thematic continuity that deepens the emotional impact of the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh screams, blending styles that reflect both metalcore and traditional thrash influences.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady progression towards climax
  • cathartic release of energy
  • focused listening for intensity
  • relentless drive through tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light, upbeat sounds
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2001, 'Determination' was God Forbid's third studio album, solidifying their presence in the metalcore scene following the success of their previous album, 'Gone Forever.' This release came at a time when the band was gaining traction and recognition for their unique sound, which blended aggressive riffs with melodic elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Shadows Fall· Killswitch Engage· Lamb of God

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Go Your Own Way

    The moment shifts from collective experiences to a personal declaration of independence and self-identity.

    This transition emphasizes individual agency amidst broader struggles, marking a significant thematic pivot within the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dawn of the Millenia 1:28
  • 2 Nothing 2:51
  • 3 Broken Promise 4:38
  • 4 Divide My Destiny 5:19
  • 5 Network 4:25
  • 6 Wicked 3:52
  • 7 Determination, Part 1 3:47
  • 8 Determination, Part 2 4:33
  • 9 Go Your Own Way 3:35
  • 10 God’s Last Gift 4:30
  • 11 A Reflection of the Past 1:49
  • 12 Dead Words on Deaf Ears 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata