What makes Ritual of Battle by Army of the Pharaohs notable?

'Ritual of Battle' solidified Army of the Pharaohs' position within hardcore hip-hop, receiving critical acclaim for its lyrical prowess and production quality. The album is often cited as influential within the underground scene, contributing to a resurgence in gritty, narrative-driven rap during the mid-2000s. By 2007, Army of the Pharaohs had established themselves as a significant force in the underground hip-hop scene, and 'Ritual of Battle' was their third studio album. This release followed their previous effort, 'The Torture Papers,' and marked a continued evolution in their sound and lyrical content, showcasing the collective's growth and cohesion as a unit.

How many songs are on Ritual of Battle?

Ritual of Battle has 16 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Ritual of Battle

Army of the Pharaohs · 2007

66 min · 16 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

Aggressive verses collide with dark, cinematic beats, embodying the raw essence of underground hardcore hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Swords Drawn — The opening track sets a fierce tone with its aggressive delivery and commanding beats, effectively establishing the album's thematic focus on battle and resilience.
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Gun Ballad — This track combines storytelling with vivid imagery and sharp lyricism, encapsulating the group's ability to weave personal narratives into broader commentary on violence.
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Murda Murda — With its relentless pace and confrontational lyrics, this track exemplifies the group's trademark style while delivering a potent message about street life and survival.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and production quality while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album features aggressive verses that often switch between multiple vocalists, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the tracks.
Each track is built on dark, cinematic beats that incorporate orchestral elements and heavy bass, contributing to a cohesive sound.
Several tracks utilize recurring motifs or hooks that tie them together thematically, enhancing the overall narrative of the album.
The sequencing maintains a relentless pace, with only brief moments of respite before launching into the next high-energy track.

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: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Swords Drawn 4:09
2 Time to Rock 3:48
3 Dump the Clip 2:46
4 Black Christmas 5:23
5 Blue Steel 2:41
6 Gun Ballad 3:53
7 Strike Back 4:14
8 Frontline 4:20
9 Through Blood by Thunder 3:45
10 Murda Murda 3:41
11 Bloody Tears 4:36
12 Seven 6:14
13 Drama Theme 6:25
14 Pages in Blood 3:59
15 D and D 1:59
16 Don’t Cry 4:42

What to play next

Listen next

The Psycho's Back

2009

Go back to

The Torture Papers

2006

Full Army of the Pharaohs discography Artists like Army of the Pharaohs

hardcore hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata