Every Trick in the Book cover

Every Trick in the Book

Ice Nine Kills · 2015

37 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A theatrical blend of heavy metal and melodic hooks, drawing inspiration from classic horror literature.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bloodbath & Beyond — This track stands out with its vibrant energy and clever wordplay, referencing iconic slasher films while delivering a catchy chorus that encapsulates the album's theatrical essence.
  • →
    Alice — A haunting interpretation of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, this song blends intricate melodies with darker themes, illustrating the band's ability to fuse storytelling with music.
  • →
    Hell in the Hallways — With its intense instrumentation and narrative depth, this track explores themes of isolation and fear, making it a powerful representation of the album's overall concept.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's narrative structure and thematic cohesion stand out, though its execution is solid but not exceptional.

What we noticed

  • Each track is thematically linked to a specific horror story, creating a narrative thread that runs through the album.
  • The album features frequent tempo changes, with several tracks alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic interludes.
  • Vocals switch between clean singing and harsh screams, enhancing the dramatic storytelling aspect of the music.
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
8/10

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

  • theatrical storytelling with suspense
  • steady pacing for thrilling engagement
  • captivating narratives that chill
  • for late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike cohesive album experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Every Trick in the Book marked Ice Nine Kills' fourth studio album, following their previous release, 2013's Every Trick in the Book. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity by merging storytelling with heavy music, capitalizing on their growing fanbase and critical attention.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Nature of the Beast 3:38
  • 2 Communion of the Cursed 4:30
  • 3 Bloodbath & Beyond 3:39
  • 4 The Plot Sickens 3:40
  • 5 Star‐Crossed Enemies 3:45
  • 6 Me, Myself & Hyde 4:04
  • 7 Alice 3:11
  • 8 The People in the Attic 3:48
  • 9 Tess‐Timony 3:14
  • 10 Hell in the Hallways 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata