Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Great Depression — The track exemplifies the band's ability to combine heavy riffs with introspective lyrics, marking a standout moment on the album. Its dynamic shifts highlight the band's technical prowess and emotional depth.
-
→
Ground Breaking Ceremony — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of turmoil and rebirth, featuring an explosive blend of energy and melody that defines Himsa's early sound. Its intricate guitar work showcases the band's musical ambition.
-
→
Cremation — This track pushes boundaries with its relentless pace and complex arrangements, serving as a perfect example of Himsa's innovative approach to metalcore. Its powerful chorus creates a memorable contrast to the aggressive verses.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid metalcore elements but lacks standout compositions or production that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs paired with melodic leads, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
- Several songs incorporate breakdowns that shift tempos abruptly, emphasizing the aggressive nature of the genre.
- Vocals alternate between harsh screams and clean singing, allowing for varied emotional expression across the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- short bursts of raw intensity
- cathartic energy release moments
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- melodic undertones amidst aggression
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want soft, soothing sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Ground Breaking Ceremony is Himsa's debut studio album, released in January 1999. At this point, the band was establishing its identity within the emerging metalcore scene, following several years of local shows and their earlier EPs. This album set the stage for their subsequent influence in the genre as they transitioned from underground acts to wider recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Killswitch Engage· Unearth· August Burns Red
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Daylight Savings 1:20
- 2 The Great Depression 2:40
- 3 Another Version of the Twist 3:38
- 4 Ground Breaking Ceremony 5:11
- 5 Carrier 3:26
- 6 Mud 3:08
- 7 Cremation 4:42
- 8 The Date Is Here 5:05
- 9 Tapas 3:58
- 10 White Out 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.