What makes Personal War by Birds in Row notable?

The album received critical acclaim within the hardcore punk community, noted for its emotional honesty and sonic aggression. It helped establish Birds in Row as significant players in the screamo revival movement of the mid-2010s, influencing many contemporary bands with its blend of melody and intensity. Released on January 1, 2015, 'Personal War' is Birds in Row's second full-length album, following their 2012 debut 'You, Me & The Violence'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the hardcore punk scene, particularly within Europe, after gaining attention for their intense live performances and emotional depth.

How many songs are on Personal War?

Personal War has 7 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Personal War

Birds in Row · 2015

17 min · 7 tracks · hardcore punk

A raw and chaotic blend of hardcore punk and screamo that channels emotional turbulence through aggressive instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Torches — This track exemplifies the band's ability to balance melodic elements with explosive energy, encapsulating the essence of their sound while addressing themes of personal struggle.
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O’Dear — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song showcases a vulnerable side of the band, highlighting their lyrical depth amidst powerful instrumentation.
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Marathon — Closing the album on a longer note, this track features dynamic shifts and intricate layering that push the boundaries of traditional hardcore while maintaining an emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively combines emotional intensity with dynamic shifts, establishing a strong presence in its genre.

What we noticed

The first track is an atmospheric intro that sets a tense mood before the intensity of the following tracks.
Tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, with several songs alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic interludes.
Vocals are delivered in a raw, aggressive style, often layered with harmonies that create a chaotic soundscape.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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 Intro 2:10
2 Torches 2:49
3 O’Dear 2:49
4 Weary 1:43
5 Worried 2:04
6 Snakes 1:43
7 Marathon 4:15

What to play next

Listen next

We Already Lost the World

2018

Go back to

You, Me & the Violence

2012

Full Birds in Row discography Artists like Birds in Row

hardcore punk screamo

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata