What makes Muerte by Will Haven notable?

Muerte received positive critical acclaim upon release, showcasing Will Haven's enduring influence in the alternative metal scene. The album's heavy sound and introspective lyrics resonated with fans, leading it to chart on various metal-focused lists and reinforcing the band's legacy within the genre. Released on March 23, 2018, Muerte is Will Haven's fifth studio album and their first in nearly a decade, following the 2007 release of The Hierophant. This album marks a significant return for the band, as they re-establish their sound while incorporating modern influences from the metalcore and post-hardcore scenes.

How many songs are on Muerte?

Muerte has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Muerte

Will Haven · 2018

47 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

A visceral blend of sludgy riffs and raw, emotive vocals that create an atmosphere of intense introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hewed With the Brand — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its crushing riffs and haunting vocals, encapsulating the album's themes of struggle and perseverance.
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No Escape — The track features a dynamic shift between heavy instrumentals and more melodic sections, highlighting the band's ability to blend aggression with melody.
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Now in the Ashes — Closing out the album, this song offers an emotional resolution through its reflective lyrics and layered instrumentation, emphasizing the journey depicted throughout Muerte.

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

Muerte showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing intensity with introspection across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that consistently employ heavy, sludgy guitar riffs paired with aggressive drumming.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet, introspective passages and explosive climaxes.
The final track, 'El Sol', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting the intensity of earlier songs with a more subdued atmosphere.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Hewed With the Brand 3:21
2 Winds of Change 4:22
3 Kinney 3:33
4 The Son 3:36
5 43 4:26
6 No Escape 4:59
7 Unit K 3:49
8 Ladwig No. 949 4:06
9 Bootstraps 3:24
10 Now in the Ashes 5:21
11 El Sol 6:10

What to play next

Listen next

VII

2023

Go back to

Voir Dire

2011

Full Will Haven discography Artists like Will Haven

alternative metal metalcore post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata