What makes Pride of the Wicked by War of Ages notable?

Pride of the Wicked received critical acclaim for its blend of heavy instrumentation and meaningful lyrics, which resonated with fans and critics alike. The album helped solidify War of Ages' reputation in the Christian metalcore genre, leading to increased visibility and opportunities for touring. Released in 2006, Pride of the Wicked is War of Ages’ second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to establish themselves within the metalcore scene, building on the momentum from their initial release and refining their sound.

How many songs are on Pride of the Wicked?

Pride of the Wicked has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Pride of the Wicked

War of Ages · 2006

41 min · 10 tracks · metalcore

Aggressive metalcore riffs collide with melodic interludes, creating a dynamic exploration of inner strength and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rise From the Ashes — This track embodies the album's overarching themes of perseverance and hope through its powerful chorus and driving rhythm. The juxtaposition of heavy verses with soaring melodies illustrates the band's ability to blend aggression with emotional depth.
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Heart of a Warrior — The anthemic nature of this song makes it a standout, showcasing both lyrical strength and musical prowess. Its message encourages resilience and determination, making it relatable for listeners facing challenges.
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The Fall of Pride — This track features intense instrumentation paired with introspective lyrics that explore themes of humility and personal growth. Its dynamic shifts between aggressive sections and melodic harmonies highlight the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive and melodic elements effectively but remains within familiar metalcore territory.

What we noticed

The album features aggressive guitar riffs that dominate the first half, while the second half introduces more melodic interludes and slower tempos.
Vocals alternate between harsh screams and clean singing, often within the same track, creating a dynamic contrast.
Several tracks incorporate breakdowns that emphasize rhythmic intensity, particularly in the choruses, which are designed to engage listeners during live performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Absence of Fear

A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift from expressing doubt to declaring confidence, marking a transformation in mindset.

This transition effectively captures the essence of overcoming fear, reinforcing the song's empowering message through its lyrical progression.

Tracklist

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

1 Guide for the Helpless 4:27
2 Rise From the Ashes 4:01
3 Strength Within 3:52
4 Absence of Fear 3:20
5 The Fall of Pride 4:40
6 Heart of a Warrior 3:54
7 Aftermath 4:37
8 Bitter Sweet 3:38
9 Silenced Insecurities 3:54
10 Stone by Stone 4:56

What to play next

Listen next

Fire from the Tomb

2007

Go back to

War of Ages

2005

Full War of Ages discography Artists like War of Ages

metalcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata