What makes Hammer of the Witch by Ringworm notable?

The album received significant acclaim from critics, being praised for its raw energy and aggression, which helped it debut at number 29 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. It also contributed to the resurgence of interest in hardcore punk during the mid-2010s, influencing younger bands in the genre with its uncompromising style. Hammer of the Witch is Ringworm's sixth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following their previous album, Scars. The band returned with renewed energy and a sharper sound, showcasing their evolution within the hardcore and metalcore scenes. This release marked a significant moment as they continued to solidify their status in heavy music.

How many songs are on Hammer of the Witch?

Hammer of the Witch has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Hammer of the Witch

Ringworm · 2014

41 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk

A relentless fusion of hardcore punk and thrash metal, unleashing aggressive riffs and ferocious vocal intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dawn of Decay — Opening with an explosive energy that sets the tone for the entire album, this track introduces listeners to Ringworm's signature blend of speed and intensity.
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Psychic Vampire — This track combines haunting lyrics with a relentless tempo, illustrating the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks amidst chaos.
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I Recommend Amputation — A standout for its brutal lyrical content and blistering guitar work, this song encapsulates the visceral themes explored throughout the album.
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Hammer of the Witch — The title track delivers a powerful anthem with a commanding presence that exemplifies Ringworm's mastery of heavy music dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Treeline

Higher than 77% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and aggressive execution, making it a solid entry in the hardcore punk genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first six songs before introducing a slight dip in intensity.
Vocal delivery is aggressive and often layered, with moments of call-and-response between the lead vocals and backing shouts.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a jarring effect that enhances the album's chaotic feel.

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 Dawn of Decay 3:18
2 Bleed 2:36
3 Leave Your Skin at the Door 3:13
4 Exit Life 1:43
5 Psychic Vampire 2:39
6 King of Blood 3:23
7 I Recommend Amputation 3:14
8 Hammer of the Witch 3:22
9 We’ll Always Have the End 3:36
10 One of Us Is Going to Have to Die… 3:53
11 Vicious Circle of Life 3:15
12 Die Like a Pig 3:42
13 Height of Revelation 3:11

What to play next

Full Ringworm discography Artists like Ringworm

hardcore punk metalcore thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata