Released 10 years ago
Penalty by Perception
Artillery · 2016
53 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal
Fierce riffs and relentless drumming intertwine with socially conscious lyrics, creating a potent thrash metal experience steeped in urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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In Defiance of Conformity — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive tempo and incisive lyrics that challenge societal norms, exemplifying the band's core message.
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Penalty by Perception — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic focus on perception and reality through complex riffs and a powerful chorus that resonates with listeners.
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Rites of War — This track features intricate guitar solos and intense rhythms, showcasing the band's technical prowess while delving into themes of conflict and struggle.
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Welcome to the Mindfactory — Closing out the album, this song blends melodic elements with thrash aggression, leaving a lasting impression while reinforcing the overarching theme of mental liberation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines fierce musicianship with socially conscious lyrics, appealing to both fans and newcomers.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, alternating between intense thrash sections and slower, more melodic passages.
- Lyrically, the album addresses social issues directly, with verses that often feature intricate rhyme schemes and vivid imagery.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- relentless intensity for adrenaline seekers
- cathartic release through aggression
- for high-energy workouts
- focused listening with intricate details
Maybe skip if you
- prefer soothing, calm sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 25, 2016, 'Penalty by Perception' is Artillery's first studio album in eight years, following 'My Blood' (2009). At this juncture, the band sought to revitalize their sound while maintaining the signature thrash elements that defined their earlier work. This album signified a return to form as they reestablished themselves within the heavy metal scene.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Live by the Scythe
A shift occurs when the narrative voice directly confronts the listener about mortality and choices, breaking from abstract references to personal accountabili…
This direct address creates a sense of urgency that pulls the listener into an introspective space, amplifying the weight of its message.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In Defiance of Conformity 5:46
- 2 Live by the Scythe 5:03
- 3 Penalty by Perception 4:59
- 4 Mercy of Ignorance 3:50
- 5 Rites of War 4:21
- 6 Sin of Innocence 5:14
- 7 When the Magic Is Gone 4:34
- 8 Cosmic Brain 4:35
- 9 Deity Machine 4:56
- 10 Path of the Atheist 4:48
- 11 Welcome to the Mindfactory 5:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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