Kill or Be Killed
Biohazard · 2003
36 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk
Aggressive grooves merge with hardcore punk energy and socially conscious lyrics in a raw, unfiltered expression of defiance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Kill or Be Killed — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of survival and aggression, featuring driving rhythms and powerful vocals that exemplify Biohazard's signature style.
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Never Forgive, Never Forget — This opening track sets the tone with its relentless energy and confrontational lyrics that address themes of betrayal and resilience, making it a standout anthem.
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Open Your Eyes — This song stands out for its blend of melodic hooks and heavy instrumentation while delivering a poignant message about awareness and societal issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive energy with socially conscious themes, making it a solid entry in the hardcore punk genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining aggressive grooves throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature breakdowns that shift dynamics, alternating between intense verses and more melodic choruses.
- The lyrics often reflect social issues and personal struggles, creating a thematic consistency across the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady aggressive energy throughout
- short tracks for quick bursts
- socially charged lyrical themes
- intense sessions for workout motivation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, more melodic sounds
- need longer, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2003, Kill or Be Killed marked Biohazard's sixth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous record, Unholy Terror. At this point in their career, the band was consolidating their identity within the New York hardcore scene while also exploring heavier musical territories, blending punk and metal elements to create an intense sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Earth Crisis· Hatebreed· Madball
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Never Forgive, Never Forget
The moment shifts from a personal grievance to broader societal commentary, emphasizing a refusal to forget past injustices.
By expanding from individual pain to collective struggle, this transition enhances the song's emotional weight and relevance.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Never Forgive, Never Forget 4:14
- 2 Kill or Be Killed 2:39
- 3 Heads Kicked In 4:38
- 4 Beaten Senseless 2:08
- 5 Make My Stand 2:37
- 6 Open Your Eyes 3:15
- 7 Penalty 3:00
- 8 World on Fire 3:00
- 9 Dead to Me 4:05
- 10 Hallowed Ground 6:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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