Pacifisticuffs cover

Pacifisticuffs

Diablo Swing Orchestra · 2017

44 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal

A whirlwind of heavy metal and jazz influences colliding in a theatrical soundscape, full of dynamic shifts and eclectic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Age of Vulture Culture — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of heavy riffs with orchestral elements, encapsulating their unique style while addressing themes of societal decay.
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    Jigsaw Hustle — A standout for its complex structure and rapid tempo changes, this song combines catchy melodies with intricate musicianship that reflects the band's progressive roots.
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    Lady Clandestine Chainbreaker — This track features a powerful vocal performance paired with a dramatic arrangement that highlights the band’s ability to weave storytelling into their music.
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    Karma Bonfire — With its infectious chorus and clever lyrical play, this track captures the essence of the album’s playful yet profound exploration of human nature.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's genre-blending and theatrical elements create a distinctive sound, though cohesion suffers slightly due to its eclectic nature.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt tempo changes, with tracks shifting from heavy metal riffs to jazz-inspired sections within the same song.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments like brass and strings, creating a layered and eclectic sound.
  • The vocal delivery alternates between operatic singing and aggressive growls, enhancing the theatricality of the music.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Knucklehugs (Arm Yourself with Love) 2:27
  • 2 The Age of Vulture Culture 5:00
  • 3 Superhero Jagganath 5:41
  • 4 Vision of the Purblind 1:01
  • 5 Lady Clandestine Chainbreaker 4:50
  • 6 Jigsaw Hustle 4:53
  • 7 Pulse of the Incipient 0:34
  • 8 Ode to the Innocent 3:49
  • 9 Interruption 5:21
  • 10 Cul-De-Sac Semantics 1:09
  • 11 Karma Bonfire 4:15
  • 12 Climbing the Eyewall 4:41
  • 13 Porch of Perception 0:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata