Porcelain cover

Porcelain

Emil Bulls · 2003

63 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal

A dynamic fusion of alternative metal and melodic hooks intertwines with introspective lyrics throughout this evocative album.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Porcelain — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record.
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    Cocoon — This track features an infectious chorus alongside intricate guitar work that highlights the band's ability to meld heavy riffs with catchy hooks.
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    Lava — Lava showcases a compelling mix of aggression and melody, illustrating the band's signature sound while pushing their musical boundaries.
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    Paranoid Love Affair — With its unique blend of dark themes and vibrant instrumentation, this track exemplifies the lyrical depth and musical complexity present in the album.

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 solid mix of metal and melody but lacks strong cohesion in its latter half.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word sections that contrast with the sung verses, adding a layer of narrative complexity.
  • The final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • cathartic moments of release
  • engaging hooks that linger
  • late-night solitude listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Porcelain is Emil Bulls' fourth studio album and marks a significant evolution in their sound. Following the success of their earlier albums, this record showcases a more polished production style while still embracing the band's heavy roots. The album represents a key moment as they began to gain recognition beyond Germany, gradually building their international presence.
Stylistic neighbors
Caliban· Heaven Shall Burn· He Is Legend

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Porcelain 4:11
  • 2 Cocoon 3:21
  • 3 No Hay Banda 3:36
  • 4 Lava 5:58
  • 5 Moloko Velocet 3:28
  • 6 40 Days 3:39
  • 7 The Coolness of Being Wretched (Mud Blood and Beer) 3:31
  • 8 Lullaby Overdose 2:32
  • 9 Paranoid Love Affair 3:41
  • 10 This Day 3:19
  • 11 Symbiote 4:09
  • 12 Killer's Kiss 5:52
  • 13 Facials (The Corrosion of Mind)... The Hoover Jam 15:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata