Killing Puritans cover

Killing Puritans

Armand Van Helden · 2000

73 min · 11 tracks · house music

A vibrant fusion of house beats and eclectic samples creates a dynamic dancefloor experience that is both energetic and innovative.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Little Black Spiders Start here — This track stands out for its infectious groove and layered production, highlighting Van Helden's knack for creating compelling rhythms that engage listeners on the dance floor.
  • →
    Koochy — With its playful vocal samples and driving beat, 'Koochy' exemplifies the album's experimental spirit and has become a classic in Van Helden's discography.
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    Hybridz — This lengthy track showcases Van Helden's ability to build tension and release throughout its runtime, making it a standout example of his innovative approach to structure in house music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album showcases innovative sampling and energetic beats, solidifying its place in house music.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a dark, moody tone before transitioning into upbeat tracks.
  • The tempo remains consistently high across most tracks, with only a couple of moments where it dips slightly for contrast.
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

  • gradual build to energetic peak
  • late-night dance floor vibes
  • pulsating grooves for movement
  • eclectic samples that surprise

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek slow, introspective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Van Helden's reputation as a pioneer in house music.
Themes
dancefloor innovation· playful vocal samples· eclectic soundscapes
Career context
By the time 'Killing Puritans' was released in 2000, Armand Van Helden was already an established figure in the house music scene, having gained fame with hits like 'The Funk Phenomena.' This album marked his return after the commercial success of '2 Future 4 U,' showcasing his ability to blend genres and push boundaries within electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors
Todd Terry· Roger Sanchez· DJ Sneak

Tracklist

  • 1 Killing Puritans (intro) 2:07
  • 2 Little Black Spiders Start here 8:15
  • 3 Breakdancers Call 6:21
  • 4 House Boxing 2:05
  • 5 Full Moon 4:19
  • 6 Koochy 8:07
  • 7 Watch Your Back (The Headhunters) 8:23
  • 8 Hybridz 10:01
  • 9 Flyaway Love 9:08
  • 10 Swampthang 5:49
  • 11 Conscience 9:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata