What makes Misery by The Amity Affliction notable?

Misery received critical acclaim for its candid exploration of mental health issues, resonating deeply with fans. The album peaked at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and showcased the band's growing influence within the post-hardcore genre during a time when discussions around mental health were becoming increasingly prominent in popular music. Released on January 1, 2018, Misery is The Amity Affliction's fifth studio album, following their successful record This Could Be Heartbreak from 2016. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the metalcore scene, experimenting with darker themes and sounds as they navigated personal struggles and loss.

Misery works well if you're into emotionally charged introspective themes, steady pacing for deep reflection and raw vulnerability in each track.

How many songs are on Misery?

Misery has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Misery

The Amity Affliction · 2018

42 min · 12 tracks · metalcore

A visceral blend of metalcore and post-hardcore, steeped in emotional turmoil and raw vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ivy (Doomsday) — Opening with a heavy, atmospheric sound, this track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and self-reflection while showcasing powerful vocal performances.
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Feels Like I’m Dying — This track stands out due to its haunting lyrics that vividly portray feelings of hopelessness, making it emblematic of the album's exploration of mental anguish.
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Misery — The title track delves into the depths of personal suffering and showcases a blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation, representing the overarching mood of the album.
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Black Cloud — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts in intensity, this song captures the essence of battling inner demons, making it a standout moment on the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album explores emotional themes with dynamic vocal contrasts but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and intense vocals, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and slower tempos.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that alternate between clean singing and harsh screams, creating dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
The lyrics consistently address themes of mental health and emotional struggle, often using vivid imagery to convey vulnerability.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

emotionally charged introspective themes
steady pacing for deep reflection
raw vulnerability in each track
mid-tempo energy for focus
cathartic release through urgency

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat instant gratification
seek lighthearted party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, Misery is The Amity Affliction's fifth studio album, following their successful record This Could Be Heartbreak from 2016. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the metalcore scene, experimenting with darker themes and sounds as they navigated personal struggles and loss.
Stylistic neighbors: Parkway Drive· The Devil Wears Prada· August Burns Red