Ruiner
A Wilhelm Scream · 2005
36 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk
Frantic guitar riffs and relentless drumming collide with introspective lyrics, creating a visceral hardcore punk experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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The King Is Dead — This opening track sets the tone with its rapid tempo and sharp lyricism, encapsulating the album's blend of aggression and introspection.
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God Loves a Liar — With its catchy hooks and biting commentary on deceit, this track exemplifies the band's knack for marrying melody with punk fervor.
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Me vs. Morrissey in the Pretentiousness Contest (The Ladder Match) — This track stands out for its playful critique of pretentiousness in music and culture, delivered with high energy and wit.
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Cancer Dream — Closing the album, this track showcases emotional vulnerability amidst heavy instrumentation, reflecting the complexities of life and death.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A Wilhelm Scream's 'Ruiner' showcases intricate musicianship and aggressive yet introspective lyrics within the hardcore punk genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature rapid tempos and complex guitar work, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady energetic flow throughout
- frantic riffs for intense moments
- short tracks for quick bursts
- introspective lyrics with urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek mellow, relaxed vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Ruiner' was released in January 2005, A Wilhelm Scream had already established themselves as a prominent figure in the hardcore punk scene following their previous album, 'Still City', which showcased their technical prowess. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, blending aggressive instrumentation with more complex lyrical themes, further solidifying their reputation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Propagandhi· Strike Anywhere· Against Me!
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The King Is Dead 3:25
- 2 Killing It 2:29
- 3 The Pool 2:30
- 4 The Soft Sell 2:30
- 5 God Loves a Liar 2:22
- 6 In vino veritas II 2:24
- 7 Me vs. Morrissey in the Pretentiousness Contest (The Ladder Match) 1:46
- 8 Congratulations 1:28
- 9 The Kids Can Eat a Bag of Dicks 3:43
- 10 When I Was Alive: Walden III 2:18
- 11 Mercy Day for Mr. Vengeance 2:59
- 12 Less Bright Eyes, More Deicide 2:15
- 13 Speed of Dark 3:03
- 14 Cancer Dream 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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