What makes History of a Time to Come by Sabbat notable?

History of a Time to Come is significant for its critical acclaim within the metal community, often cited as an influential work that shaped the UK thrash metal scene. The album's potent themes and intricate compositions garnered attention, leading to positive reviews from prominent publications like Metal Forces. Released as Sabbat's debut album in 1988, History of a Time to Come marked the band's entry into the thrash metal scene. The album was pivotal in establishing their reputation, showcasing their technical musicianship and lyrical depth amidst a burgeoning genre.

How many songs are on History of a Time to Come?

History of a Time to Come has 9 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

History of a Time to Come

Sabbat · 1988

46 min · 9 tracks · thrash metal

Aggressive thrash metal riffs intertwine with dark, politically charged themes, creating a relentless sonic assault.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Cautionary Tale — This track exemplifies Sabbat's ability to blend narrative storytelling with aggressive instrumentation, highlighting their thematic focus on societal issues and personal responsibility.
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Behind the Crooked Cross — With its powerful riffs and biting commentary on organized religion, this song captures the essence of Sabbat's lyrical approach, critiquing dogma while showcasing their musical prowess.
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For Those Who Died — This track stands out for its emotional weight and homage to fallen comrades, combining haunting melodies with intense thrash rhythms that leave a lasting impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and technical musicianship, marking its influence in the thrash metal genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a dark tone before launching into aggressive riffs.
Each track features rapid tempo changes, often shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, heavier breakdowns.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 2:00
2 A Cautionary Tale 4:15
3 Hosanna in Excelsis 4:00
4 Behind the Crooked Cross 6:00
5 Horned Is the Hunter 8:08
6 I for an Eye 5:22
7 For Those Who Died 6:23
8 A Dead Man’s Robe 4:48
9 The Church Bizarre 5:07

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata