Metropolis cover

Metropolis

Sister Machine Gun · 1997

53 min · 12 tracks · industrial rock

A gritty fusion of industrial textures and driving rock rhythms that encapsulates the anxieties of urban life.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    This Metal Sky — Opening with heavy guitar riffs and electronic beats, this track sets a haunting tone for the album while encapsulating the overarching theme of existential despair.
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    Desperation — The driving tempo combined with raw vocal delivery captures a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil, making it a standout representation of the album's darker themes.
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    Torque — This song features intricate layering of industrial sounds with aggressive lyrics, embodying the sonic experimentation that defines Metropolis.
  • →
    Everything — With its contemplative lyrics and dynamic shifts in intensity, this track reflects on personal struggles and societal pressures, resonating deeply within the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends industrial and rock elements, showcasing strong production and varied pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and electronic beats, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective mood.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with industrial soundscapes, creating a dense auditory texture.
  • The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the preceding high-energy songs.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 mid-tempo pulsating rhythms
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • dark atmosphere for evening listens
  • consistent flow for focused sessions
  • emotional depth in lyrical themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • avoid dark, moody soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, Metropolis was Sister Machine Gun's third studio album, following their breakthrough release Burn. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the industrial rock scene, building on the momentum gained from previous albums and reflecting their evolving sound and themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Marilyn Manson· Nine Inch Nails· Blue Stahli

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 This Metal Sky 2:28
  • 2 Desperation 3:45
  • 3 Temptation 4:38
  • 4 Think 3:49
  • 5 Living Without You 3:51
  • 6 Torque 4:05
  • 7 White Lightning 4:52
  • 8 Everything 4:59
  • 9 What Do You Want From Me 4:12
  • 10 Admit 5:05
  • 11 Bitter End 5:20
  • 12 Cut Down 6:11

What to play next

[R]evolution
Listen next

[R]evolution

1999
Burn
Go back to

Burn

1995
Full Sister Machine Gun discography Artists like Sister Machine Gun
industrial rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata