What makes Rumors Laid Waste by The Blood Brothers notable?

This album showcased The Blood Brothers' signature style through its sharp, satirical lyrics and aggressive instrumentation, earning positive reviews from notable publications like Pitchfork. It solidified their influence on the sasscore movement and helped them maintain a dedicated underground following during a time when punk and hardcore were evolving. Released in 2003, Rumors Laid Waste was The Blood Brothers' follow-up to their critically acclaimed album, Burn, Piano Island, Burn. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound and gaining traction within the post-hardcore scene, known for their frenetic performances and unconventional song structures.

Who is Rumors Laid Waste for?

Rumors Laid Waste works well if you're into frantic bursts of chaotic energy, short tracks for quick engagement and intense listening for adrenaline rush.

How many songs are on Rumors Laid Waste?

Rumors Laid Waste has 9 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Rumors Laid Waste

The Blood Brothers · 2003

15 min · 9 tracks · post-hardcore

A chaotic blend of art punk and post-hardcore energy, brimming with sardonic wit and relentless urgency.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gagged in a Casket — This opening track immediately sets the tone with explosive energy, featuring jagged guitar riffs and urgent vocals that encapsulate the band's chaotic style.
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Red Blooded American Girl — With its biting social commentary wrapped in frenetic rhythms, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend humor with serious themes.
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Data Perversion — This song showcases the band's signature mix of melody and dissonance, along with clever wordplay that critiques modern society's obsession with technology.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong compositional elements and energetic performances, maintaining a cohesive yet chaotic sound.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high tempo with aggressive instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo, creating a sense of chaos and urgency throughout the EP.
The lyrics are delivered in a rapid-fire style, often overlapping between vocalists, which adds to the frenetic energy of the music.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

frantic bursts of chaotic energy
short tracks for quick engagement
intense listening for adrenaline rush
for late-night parties

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, structured compositions
seek calm and soothing sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2003, Rumors Laid Waste was The Blood Brothers' follow-up to their critically acclaimed album, Burn, Piano Island, Burn. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound and gaining traction within the post-hardcore scene, known for their frenetic performances and unconventional song structures.
Stylistic neighbors: The Locust· Refused· At the Drive-In