Having the Heart for War cover

Having the Heart for War

MyChildren MyBride · 2005

31 min · 9 tracks · metalcore

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and aggressive vocals intertwines with introspective themes, embodying the raw spirit of mid-2000s metalcore.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Circle the Sky — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its explosive energy and intricate guitar work, showcasing the band's technical prowess right from the start.
  • →
    Immaculate Murder — This track features a blend of melodic elements and hardcore intensity, reflecting the band's ability to navigate between aggression and melody seamlessly.
  • →
    A Bayonette Doesn't Make You a Hero — The song tackles themes of heroism and moral complexity in war, making it lyrically compelling while maintaining an aggressive sound that resonates with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid metalcore elements but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid drumming and heavy guitar riffs, setting a relentless pace for the first half.
  • Vocals alternate between harsh screams and melodic passages, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate breakdowns that emphasize rhythm over melody, typical of the metalcore genre.
  • The final track slows down significantly, featuring a more introspective tone with clean vocals and atmospheric instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Circle the Sky 4:10
  • 2 In Due Time 4:08
  • 3 Love Letter To 2:19
  • 4 A Spar Too Late 2:58
  • 5 Close Your Eyes 4:08
  • 6 Immaculate Murder 4:13
  • 7 Falls First Fire 3:39
  • 8 A Bayonette Doesn't Make You a Hero 3:36
  • 9 Every Moment 2:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata