Like a House on Fire cover

Like a House on Fire

Asking Alexandria · 2020

51 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

Energetic riffs and anthemic choruses collide in a vibrant exploration of resilience and personal struggle.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    House on Fire Start here — The opening track sets the tone with explosive energy and a defiant message about rising above challenges, encapsulating the album's spirit.
  • →
    Antisocialist — This track combines heavy instrumentals with sharp lyrics critiquing societal norms, making it an anthem for those feeling alienated.
  • →
    I Don’t Need You — A standout ballad that showcases emotional vulnerability while maintaining a powerful chorus, reflecting personal growth and independence.
  • →
    The Violence — With its intense build-up and introspective lyrics, this track delves into themes of inner turmoil and conflict, representing a pivotal moment in the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic songwriting and production but follows familiar patterns in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, creating a consistent intensity.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns between the lead and backing vocals, enhancing the anthemic quality.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 emotional journeys
  • short, punchy songs
  • energetic workout motivation
  • cathartic release of feelings

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution after the return of the lead vocalist.
Themes
personal struggle· societal alienation· inner turmoil
Career context
When 'Like a House on Fire' was released in May 2020, Asking Alexandria was navigating a significant transition following the return of lead vocalist Danny Worsnop in 2017. This album marked their sixth studio release, showcasing a refined sound that melded their metalcore roots with more mainstream rock influences, solidifying their presence in the evolving landscape of alternative music.

Tracklist

  • 1 House on Fire Start here 3:33
  • 2 They Don’t Want What We Want (And They Don’t Care) 3:15
  • 3 Down to Hell 3:16
  • 4 Antisocialist 3:36
  • 5 I Don’t Need You 3:42
  • 6 All Due Respect 3:55
  • 7 Take Some Time 3:25
  • 8 One Turns to None 3:04
  • 9 It’s Not Me (It’s You) 2:55
  • 10 Here’s to Starting Over 3:17
  • 11 What’s Gonna Be 3:25
  • 12 Give You Up 3:33
  • 13 In My Blood 3:31
  • 14 The Violence 3:28
  • 15 Lorazepam 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata