Material Control
Glassjaw · 2017
36 min · 12 tracks · post-hardcore
Explosive post-hardcore riffs collide with introspective lyrics, creating a visceral soundscape that is both chaotic and cathartic.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
New White Extremity — This opening track sets an urgent tone with its relentless pace and intricate guitar work, encapsulating the album’s thematic exploration of chaos and identity.
-
→
Citizen — A short but impactful track, Citizen combines sharp lyrical commentary with aggressive instrumentation, reflecting societal disillusionment and personal struggle.
-
→
Closer — This track showcases a shift towards vulnerability, featuring emotionally charged vocals and a haunting melody that contrasts with the album's heavier moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines explosive energy with complex songwriting, making it engaging yet challenging for listeners.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid-fire guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, setting a chaotic tone.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from intense sections to quieter, introspective moments.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- raw emotional intensity throughout
- brief bursts of chaotic energy
- focused yet varied track lengths
- cathartic release in short spans
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished production styles
- seek extended, mellow soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, Material Control marked Glassjaw's first album in over fifteen years, following their 2002 release Worship and Tribute. This long-awaited comeback came during a period of renewed interest in the post-hardcore genre, with fans eager for the band’s signature blend of intensity and emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Blood Brothers· Thursday· At the Drive-In
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 New White Extremity 4:25
- 2 Shira 3:57
- 3 Citizen 2:21
- 4 Golgotha 3:04
- 5 Strange Hours 4:09
- 6 Bastille Day 2:22
- 7 Pompeii 3:49
- 8 Bibleland 6 3:30
- 9 Closer 2:38
- 10 My Conscience Weighs a Ton 2:44
- 11 Material Control 1:25
- 12 Cut and Run 2:10
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.