What makes Haymaker by Throwdown notable?

Haymaker received significant attention for its raw energy and uncompromising approach to hardcore punk, debuting at No. 27 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The album's themes of resilience and integrity resonated with a generation facing challenges, influencing countless bands in the metalcore and hardcore scenes. Its impact has been noted for helping to define the sound of early 2000s metalcore. Released in 2003, Haymaker was Throwdown's third studio album, following their breakthrough album, Beyond Repair. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the metalcore scene while refining their sound and lyrical themes. This release marked a pivotal moment as they began to attract a broader audience and establish their identity within the genre.

How many songs are on Haymaker?

Haymaker has 14 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Haymaker

Throwdown · 2003

57 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and unyielding rhythms, fused with impassioned screams that embody the spirit of hardcore punk.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Can't Kill Integrity — This track epitomizes the album's ethos, delivering a powerful message about standing firm in one's beliefs against societal pressures. Its anthemic chorus and driving instrumentation make it a rallying cry for fans.
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Declare Your War — With its aggressive tempo and confrontational lyrics, this song captures the urgency and intensity that defines much of Haymaker. It serves as both a declaration of defiance and an invitation for listeners to join the fight.
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Hate for the Weak — This track stands out with its relentless pace and stark commentary on vulnerability versus strength, showcasing Throwdown's ability to blend fierce instrumentation with thoughtful lyricism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album delivers aggressive energy and solid craftsmanship typical of its genre but lacks standout moments for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a tone of aggression, followed by a sequence of fast-paced tracks that rarely dip below mid-tempo.
Each song features heavy guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, with vocals that alternate between shouted verses and melodic choruses.
Several tracks incorporate breakdowns, creating dynamic shifts in intensity that emphasize the lyrical themes of resilience and defiance.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Face the Mirror

The moment shifts from collective struggle to personal accountability, urging listeners to confront their own realities without excuses.

This pivot from external criticism to self-reflection deepens the emotional weight of the song, encouraging individual empowerment amidst societal challenges.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro (Never Back Down) 2:20
2 Walk Away 3:01
3 Nothing Left 3:02
4 You Can't Kill Integrity 3:51
5 Forever 3:38
6 Hopeless 2:53
7 Declare Your War 2:27
8 False Idols 2:59
9 Slip 3:03
10 Hate for the Weak 2:48
11 The Only Thing 2:00
12 Step It Up 2:39
13 Face the Mirror 3:30
14 Raise Your Fist 19:38

What to play next

Listen next

Vendetta

2005

Go back to

You Don't Have to Be Blood to Be Family

2001

Full Throwdown discography Artists like Throwdown

hardcore punk metalcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata