Epic
Faith No More · 1990
20 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock
A fusion of heavy metal riffs and eclectic vocal styles, merging chaos with melodic hooks in a groundbreaking sonic adventure.
Top tracks — play these first
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Epic — As the album's lead single, this track exemplifies Faith No More's ability to merge heavy guitar riffs with catchy melodies, making it a defining moment in alternative metal.
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War Pigs (live) — This live cover of Black Sabbath's classic showcases the band's raw energy and ability to reinterpret iconic songs through their unique lens, enhancing their reputation as a formidable live act.
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Surprise! You’re Dead! (live) — This high-energy performance highlights the band's punk influences and aggressive sound, capturing the essence of their live prowess while standing out as a fan favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single blends heavy metal and eclectic vocal styles, showcasing strong composition but lacks cohesion due to live tracks.
What we noticed
- The title track 'Epic' features a dynamic structure, alternating between heavy metal riffs and melodic choruses, creating a contrast that drives the song's energy.
- The live tracks showcase the band's raw performance style, with 'War Pigs' demonstrating their ability to reinterpret classic songs within their unique sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Faith No More's reputation in the alternative metal scene with mainstream success.
- Career context
- By the time 'Epic' was released in January 1990, Faith No More had already established themselves as a unique force within the alternative metal scene. This album marked their major label debut under Reprise Records, following their previous release 'The Real Thing' which solidified their crossover appeal and showcased their innovative sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mr. Bungle· System of a Down· Tool
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Epic
The chorus features an intense shift in energy that contrasts with the verses, emphasizing feelings of desperation and longing.
This dynamic shift not only enhances the emotional weight of the song but also reflects the band's innovative approach to structure and contrast.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Epic 4:53
- 2 War Pigs (live) 8:01
- 3 Surprise! You’re Dead! (live) 2:51
- 4 Chinese Arithmetic (live) 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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