What makes Pacifier by Nothingface notable?

The album received significant attention for its innovative blend of genres, often cited as a key influence on the nu metal movement. It peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and helped to establish Nothingface as a prominent name within the alternative metal scene of the late '90s. Pacifier is Nothingface's third studio album, following their 1995 release, Open Your Eyes. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound within the burgeoning nu metal scene, increasingly embracing heavier elements while maintaining melodic sensibilities.

How many songs are on Pacifier?

Pacifier has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Pacifier

Nothingface · 1997

42 min · 10 tracks · alternative metal

A raw fusion of aggressive riffs and melodic undertones, embodying the angst of late '90s alternative metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pacifier — The title track serves as a cornerstone of the album, showcasing an infectious hook combined with heavy verses that encapsulate the band's duality between aggression and melody.
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Defaced — This track stands out due to its relentless pace and blistering lyrics that explore themes of identity and societal pressure, embodying the angst prevalent in the era's youth culture.
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Hitch — Hitch features an intricate structure that shifts between heavy riffs and atmospheric moments, illustrating the band's ability to blend dynamics while addressing themes of disillusionment.

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 showcases a strong blend of aggression and melody typical of late '90s alternative metal.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs paired with melodic choruses, establishing a dynamic contrast early on.
Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, moving from fast-paced verses to slower, more introspective bridges.
The album's final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 One Thing 4:30
2 Pacifier 3:59
3 Lipsdick 3:19
4 Undercut 4:17
5 Defaced 2:51
6 Self Punishment 4:13
7 Hitch 5:38
8 Useless 3:47
9 Perfect Person 4:29
10 Communion 5:22

What to play next

Listen next

An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity

1998

Go back to

Nothingface

1995

Full Nothingface discography Artists like Nothingface

alternative metal nu metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata