Ill Innocence cover

Ill Innocence

Gallhammer · 2007

50 min · 10 tracks · black metal

A relentless fusion of black metal ferocity and punk rock intensity, layered with haunting atmospherics and raw, visceral energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    At the Onset of the Age of Despair — The opening track sets a foreboding tone with its lengthy atmospheric buildup, merging crushing riffs with ethereal vocals that encapsulate the album's themes of despair.
  • →
    Speed of Blood — This track delivers a raw burst of energy, blending frenetic punk rhythms with dark metal elements, highlighting the band's ability to shift dynamics effectively.
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    Killed by the Queen — Clocking in at just over two minutes, this track is a fierce statement piece that showcases Gallhammer's aggressive sound while brevity adds to its punch.
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    Long Scary Dream — With its haunting melodies and somber lyrics, this song captures a sense of eerie introspection, contrasting sharply with the more aggressive tracks on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines black metal and punk elements with unique vocal styles and dynamic shifts, making it a notable entry in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension before launching into aggressive, fast-paced tracks.
  • Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from blast beats to slower, more melodic sections.
  • The vocal style alternates between harsh screams and haunting clean passages, enhancing the emotional intensity of the music.
  • Tracks often end with feedback or dissonant chords, creating a sense of unresolved tension.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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 At the Onset of the Age of Despair 7:50
  • 2 Speed of Blood 3:09
  • 3 Blind My Eyes 3:23
  • 4 Delirium Daydream 3:26
  • 5 Ripper in the Gloom 4:31
  • 6 Killed by the Queen 2:24
  • 7 Song of Fall 6:18
  • 8 World to Be Ashes 4:08
  • 9 SLOG 8:35
  • 10 Long Scary Dream 6:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata