Doom Abuse cover

Doom Abuse

The Faint · 2014

39 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A frenetic blend of new wave and post-punk that pulses with dark humor and existential dread.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Help in the Head — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against lyrics exploring mental turmoil, encapsulating The Faint's signature style.
  • →
    Evil Voices — With its haunting synth lines and driving beat, this track delves into themes of self-doubt and inner demons, making it a standout representation of the album's darker narrative.
  • →
    Lesson From the Darkness — The closing track offers a reflective moment, blending poignant lyrics about confronting fears with an infectious rhythm that leaves a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Doom Abuse combines energetic production with unique lyrical themes, making it a standout in the indie rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving beat and layered synths, establishing a high-energy atmosphere that persists through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Animal Needs' which transitions from a frenetic pace to a more subdued section.
  • Lyrically, the songs often employ dark humor and surreal imagery, creating a sense of existential dread that complements the music's intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • driving beats for late nights
  • pulsating energy for dance floors
  • biting wit and dark humor
  • quick bursts of modern angst

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced reflective experiences
  • long tracks for deep focus

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2014, Doom Abuse marks The Faint's return after a six-year hiatus following their previous album, Fasciinatiion. By this point, the band had solidified their reputation within the indie rock scene while continuing to evolve their sound, incorporating more electronic elements and darker themes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Help in the Head 4:22
  • 2 Mental Radio 2:46
  • 3 Evil Voices 3:41
  • 4 Salt My Doom 2:18
  • 5 Animal Needs 3:50
  • 6 Loss of Head 2:58
  • 7 Dress Code 1:47
  • 8 Scapegoat 2:00
  • 9 Your Stranger 2:47
  • 10 Lesson From the Darkness 3:52
  • 11 Unseen Hand 4:15
  • 12 Damage Control 4:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata