What makes Distortion by Forbidden notable?

Distortion received positive reviews from critics, establishing Forbidden as a key player in the thrash revival of the mid-90s. The album's bold lyrical content, particularly its track 'Rape', sparked discussions on censorship within the music industry, highlighting the band’s willingness to address uncomfortable topics. Released in 1995, Distortion was Forbidden's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed album, Twisted into Form. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the thrash metal scene while tackling themes of social and political unrest.

How many songs are on Distortion?

Distortion has 10 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Distortion

Forbidden · 1995

59 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless assault of thrash metal, characterized by intricate guitar work and aggressive rhythms that confront societal issues head-on.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rape — This track stands out for its unflinching approach to sensitive subjects, combining intense instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics that challenge societal norms.
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Hypnotized by the Rhythm — The song features a dynamic blend of melody and aggression, showcasing Forbidden's ability to craft hooks within their thrash framework.
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21st Century Schizoid Man — A cover of King Crimson's classic, this rendition demonstrates Forbidden's versatility and their skill in reinterpreting progressive rock influences through a thrash lens.

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 showcases intricate songwriting and strong performances, though it may not fully resonate over time.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features rapid-fire drumming and complex guitar riffs, setting an aggressive tone.
The final track is a cover of '21st Century Schizoid Man', which introduces a different musical texture compared to the original compositions.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Distortion 5:57
2 Hypnotized by the Rhythm 4:55
3 Rape 5:21
4 No Reason 6:23
5 Feed the Hand 6:41
6 Wake Up! 3:56
7 Mind's "I" 4:30
8 All That Is 4:17
9 Undertaker 6:24
10 21st Century Schizoid Man 11:06

What to play next

Listen next

Green

1997

Go back to

Point of No Return

1992

Full Forbidden discography Artists like Forbidden

thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata