Hand of Hope cover

Hand of Hope

Morning Again · 1997

29 min · 7 tracks · metalcore

A raw fusion of metalcore intensity and reflective lyricism, capturing the struggles and hopes of a generation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Turning Over — This opening track sets a tone of urgency and introspection, featuring aggressive vocals paired with melodic undertones that define the band's sound.
  • →
    Family Ties — The exploration of personal relationships and familial expectations resonates deeply, showcasing the band's lyrical depth against a backdrop of heavy instrumentation.
  • →
    Hand of Hope — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and hope, merging heart-wrenching lyrics with powerful guitar work that exemplifies Morning Again's style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP combines raw intensity with reflective moments, showcasing a solid early effort in the metalcore genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and intense drumming, while the fourth track slows down significantly, introducing a more reflective tone.
  • Vocals alternate between harsh screams and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast that emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of contemplation.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • raw intensity with reflective moments
  • short bursts of cathartic energy
  • emotional exploration of personal struggles
  • engaging narratives in quick succession

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, drawn-out experiences
  • seek polished, radio-friendly sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, Hand of Hope marked Morning Again's debut album, positioning them as a pivotal player in the burgeoning metalcore scene. The band emerged from the underground hardcore movement, gaining traction after their earlier demos and performances which showcased their blending of heavy riffs with introspective themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Earth Crisis· Hatebreed· Shai Hulud

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Turning Over 3:11
  • 2 Family Ties 3:21
  • 3 America on Line 4:09
  • 4 Minus One 6:13
  • 5 Remedy 3:52
  • 6 Hand of Hope 4:07
  • 7 God Framed Me 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata