Pieces of Nothing cover

Pieces of Nothing

Drowning Pool · 2000

24 min · 6 tracks · hard rock

A raw fusion of aggressive guitar riffs and visceral lyrics that encapsulate the angst of early 2000s nu metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tear Away Start here — Opening with a powerful hook and driving rhythm, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of emotional turmoil and defiance.
  • →
    Bodies — 'Bodies' stands out as a defining track of the nu metal genre, recognized for its explosive energy and themes of aggression, becoming a staple at live performances.
  • →
    I Am — This track dives into self-identity and existential themes, showcasing a more introspective side of the band while maintaining their hard-hitting sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

This EP captures the essence of early 2000s nu metal with its aggressive sound and thematic consistency.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a heavy guitar riff that sets a fast-paced tempo, which is maintained through the next three tracks before slowing down slightly in the fifth.
  • Each song features aggressive vocal delivery with visceral lyrics that often reflect themes of anger and frustration, typical of the nu metal genre.
  • The production emphasizes rawness, with a prominent bass line and layered guitar effects that create a dense sound throughout the EP.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • aggressive energy for workouts
  • short bursts of intensity
  • cathartic release of frustration
  • front-loaded emotional impact

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer calm and soothing sounds
  • seek long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP established Drowning Pool's presence in the nu metal scene with the hit 'Bodies'.
Themes
emotional turmoil· early 2000s angst· self-identity crisis
Career context
Released in 2000, 'Pieces of Nothing' was Drowning Pool's debut album, following their formation in 1996. The band was navigating the burgeoning nu metal scene, seeking to establish their identity amidst a wave of similar acts during this period.
Stylistic neighbors
Mudvayne· Disturbed· Five Finger Death Punch

Tracklist

  • 1 Tear Away Start here 4:32
  • 2 Bodies 3:46
  • 3 I Am 4:01
  • 4 Told You So 4:09
  • 5 Follow 3:36
  • 6 Less Than Zero 4:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata