What makes I AM by Toothgrinder notable?

The album received positive reviews for its ambitious songwriting and genre-blending style, contributing to Toothgrinder's growing presence in the metal community. It also marked a significant moment as they toured extensively following its release, further solidifying their fanbase and critical acclaim within the underground music scene. I AM marks Toothgrinder's second studio album, following their debut, Nocturnal Masquerade, released in 2016. By this time, the band had established a reputation for blending metalcore with progressive elements, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth as they began to carve out their unique identity in the heavy music scene.

I AM works well if you're into steady mid-tempo introspection, brutal yet melodic contrasts and dynamic shifts in energy.

How many songs are on I AM?

I AM has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

I AM

Toothgrinder · 2019

39 min · 11 tracks

Dynamic riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a sound that is both aggressive and emotionally vulnerable.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Silence of a Sleeping WASP — Opening with an atmospheric build-up, this track sets the tone for the album's blend of heaviness and melody while addressing themes of internal struggle.
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My Favorite Hurt — This song encapsulates the album's emotional core through its raw vulnerability and catchy hooks, balancing aggression with heartfelt lyrics.
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The New Punk Rock — A commentary on contemporary music culture, this track stands out with its fierce energy and incisive lyrics that challenge conventional norms.
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I Am — The title track serves as a powerful anthem of self-identity and acceptance, embodying the thematic essence of the album in both message and sound.

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 album blends aggressive riffs with introspective lyrics, creating a solid yet somewhat conventional metalcore experience.

What we noticed

The first track features a slow build-up with layered guitars that explode into a heavy riff, setting a dynamic tone for the album.
The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and vulnerability, with vocal delivery alternating between clean singing and harsh screams.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady mid-tempo introspection
brutal yet melodic contrasts
dynamic shifts in energy
thought-provoking lyrical depth
focused listening engagement

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: I AM marks Toothgrinder's second studio album, following their debut, Nocturnal Masquerade, released in 2016. By this time, the band had established a reputation for blending metalcore with progressive elements, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth as they began to carve out their unique identity in the heavy music scene.

Tracklist

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

1 The Silence of a Sleeping WASP 3:23
2 Ohmymy 3:20
3 My Favorite Hurt 4:03
4 No Tribe 4:43
5 no surrender in the House of Leaves 3:47
6 shiVer 2:53
7 The New Punk Rock 2:54
8 too soft for the scene, TOO MEAN FOR the GREEN 3:27
9 Can Ü Live Today? 3:03
10 The Fire of June 4:44
11 I Am 3:26

What to play next

Go back to

Phantom Amour

2017

Full Toothgrinder discography Artists like Toothgrinder

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata