Prisoners
The Agonist · 2012
58 min · 11 tracks · metalcore
A relentless blend of melodic death metal and metalcore, infused with intricate melodies and aggressive rhythms that challenge the listener.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
You're Coming With Me — This opening track sets a high-energy tone with its aggressive instrumentation and haunting melodies, establishing the thematic intensity of the album.
-
→
The Escape — This track showcases a perfect balance between melodic hooks and heavy riffs, illustrating the band's signature style while advancing the narrative of the album.
-
→
Anxious Darwinians — With complex time signatures and thought-provoking lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth.
-
→
Lonely Solipsist — This track's introspective lyrics paired with dynamic shifts in tempo highlight a more vulnerable side of the band, enriching the album's overall narrative arc.
-
→
Revenge of the Dadaists — Closing the album with an epic length and intricate arrangement, this track encapsulates the themes explored throughout 'Prisoners', leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive rhythms with melodic elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a solid composition.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a relentless pace.
- Several tracks incorporate melodic interludes that contrast with the heavier sections, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
- The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a more atmospheric conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intense emotional outbursts throughout
- relentless pacing that demands attention
- cathartic release of pent-up energy
- thought-provoking lyrical depth
- dynamic shifts in intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer light, easy listening
- want a laid-back atmosphere
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2012, The Agonist released 'Prisoners' as their third studio album, following 'Lullabies for the Dormant Mind' which had solidified their presence in the metal scene. This record marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a refined approach to songwriting and production as they continued to carve out their identity within the melodic death metal genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Arch Enemy· In This Moment· Soilwork
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Panophobia
The lyrics confront various fears directly, presenting them almost as characters in an internal struggle that unfolds throughout the verses.
This personification of fear allows for a deeper exploration of mental health themes that are prevalent in contemporary society.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You're Coming With Me 5:36
- 2 The Escape 4:09
- 3 Predator and Prayer 5:05
- 4 Anxious Darwinians 5:24
- 5 Panophobia 3:54
- 6 Ideomotor 8:07
- 7 Lonely Solipsist 3:45
- 8 Dead Ocean 6:20
- 9 The Mass of the Earth 4:40
- 10 Everybody Wants You (Dead) 5:00
- 11 Revenge of the Dadaists 6:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.