Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume cover

Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume

Integrity · 2017

57 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk

A visceral cacophony of metallic hardcore and punk energy, infused with esoteric themes and relentless intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blood Sermon — With its relentless pace and powerful lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's thematic focus on chaos and existential dread while showcasing Integrity's signature sound.
  • →
    Hymn for the Children of the Black Flame — This track stands out for its haunting melodies intertwined with aggressive instrumentation, representing the album’s exploration of dark imagery and philosophical musings.
  • →
    Unholy Salvation of Sabbatai Zevi — The song features intricate dynamics that shift from melodic passages to intense bursts of aggression, reflecting both musical complexity and lyrical depth that define the band’s style.
  • →
    Howling, for the Nightmare Shall Consume — As the title track, it synthesizes the album's core themes into a sprawling composition that balances atmospheric soundscapes with brutal riffs, compelling listeners into its narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's intense energy and complex structures showcase Integrity's unique blend of hardcore punk and metal influences.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rapid-fire tempo that rarely dips below high energy, maintaining intensity across its first eight tracks.
  • Tracks often feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a disorienting effect that matches the esoteric themes.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal styles, alternating between harsh screams and melodic elements, enhancing the dynamic range.
  • The final three tracks slow down slightly, allowing for a brief moment of reflection before concluding with a powerful finish.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • unsettling soundscapes for immersion
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • short bursts of raw energy
  • dark themes for introspective moments
  • late-night listening with tension

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of lighthearted tunes
  • prefer smooth, polished production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2017, Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume marks Integrity's return after a five-year hiatus following their album, Suicide Black Snake. This album solidifies their influence within the hardcore punk and metalcore scenes as they continue to explore darker lyrical themes and complex compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
Earth Crisis· Converge· Hatebreed

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Fallen to Destroy 1:20
  • 2 Blood Sermon 2:55
  • 3 Hymn for the Children of the Black Flame 2:16
  • 4 I Am the Spell 2:55
  • 5 Die With Your Boots On 2:58
  • 6 Serpent of the Crossroads 6:40
  • 7 Unholy Salvation of Sabbatai Zevi 7:24
  • 8 7 Reece Mews 6:56
  • 9 Burning Beneath the Devils Cross 3:03
  • 10 String Up My Teeth 4:18
  • 11 Howling, for the Nightmare Shall Consume 6:45
  • 12 Viselle de Drac 5:00
  • 13 Entartete Kunst 1:03
  • 14 Deathly Fighter 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata