Killjoy
Shihad · 1995
41 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
Raw guitar riffs intertwine with visceral lyrics, creating a powerful sound that embodies the angst of the mid-90s alternative metal scene.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Again — Opening with a relentless energy, this track sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythms and introspective lyrics about repetitive cycles in relationships.
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Gimme Gimme — This track showcases an infectious chorus that contrasts its darker themes, capturing the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with catchy melodies.
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Envy — Envy’s emotionally charged lyrics explore themes of jealousy and self-reflection, highlighted by dynamic shifts that enhance its intensity throughout the song.
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For What You Burn — A standout for its haunting atmosphere, this track delves into themes of loss and regret, layered over powerful instrumentation that deepens its emotional impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures mid-90s angst with raw energy but lacks some cohesion in its flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, setting a raw tone for the record.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, moving from fast-paced sections to slower, more introspective moments, particularly in 'Bitter' and 'For What You Burn'.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- raw energy for high intensity
- cathartic release through aggression
- for late-night drives
- engaging riffs that demand attention
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished, radio-friendly sounds
- seek immediate catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Killjoy is Shihad's second studio album following their debut, Churn. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves within New Zealand's rock landscape, building on the momentum from their first release while beginning to gain international attention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helmet· Deftones· Stone Sour
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Bitter
The bridge shifts perspective abruptly, addressing a personal grievance that turns inward, showcasing vulnerability amidst a backdrop of sonic aggression.
This structural pivot emphasizes a moment of raw honesty that contrasts with the surrounding intensity, inviting listeners into a deeper emotional space.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Again 4:37
- 2 Gimme Gimme 5:17
- 3 The Call 5:13
- 4 Envy 3:53
- 5 Debs Night Out 3:37
- 6 Bitter 4:12
- 7 For What You Burn 5:43
- 8 Silvercup 5:03
- 9 Get Up 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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