It Comes in Waves
The Acacia Strain · 2019
30 min · 7 tracks · punk rock
A relentless exploration of despair, melding crushing riffs with atmospheric nuances and haunting vocal deliveries.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
OUR — Opening the album, this track sets a foreboding tone with its slow build-up to explosive riffs, effectively establishing the thematic depth of the record.
-
→
SIN — This track stands out for its intricate layering of melody and heaviness, demonstrating the band's ability to balance aggression with emotional nuance.
-
→
NAMES — Closing the album, this nearly nine-minute track encapsulates the overall journey with its dynamic shifts and profound lyrical exploration, leaving a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's heavy riffs and dynamic vocal styles create an intense listening experience, though it may not stand out significantly in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of heavy, downtuned guitar riffs that create a dense wall of sound throughout.
- Vocal delivery alternates between harsh screams and melodic passages, often within the same track, enhancing emotional intensity.
- Tracks are generally structured with a slow build-up leading to explosive climaxes, maintaining a relentless pace.
- The final track ends abruptly, leaving a sense of unresolved tension that echoes the themes of despair.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic ebb and flow experience
- short bursts of intensity
- engaging emotional catharsis
- for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, uninterrupted tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Received positive reviews for its depth and maturity, marking a turning point.
- Career context
- By the time 'It Comes in Waves' was released in December 2019, The Acacia Strain had established themselves as a significant force in the metalcore scene. This album followed their 2017 effort, 'Gravebloom', and showcased their continued evolution with a focus on darker themes and intricate compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Converge· Norma Jean· The Red Chord
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
NAMES
The protagonist confronts past traumas directly, revealing layers of vulnerability amidst an overwhelming sonic backdrop.
This moment shifts from abstract imagery to raw introspection, emphasizing emotional weight through a stark contrast against the instrumental intensity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 OUR 3:44
- 2 ONLY 2:43
- 3 SIN 3:59
- 4 WAS 5:45
- 5 GIVING 2:54
- 6 THEM 2:19
- 7 NAMES 8:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.