What makes Sickness of the Ages by I Hate Sally notable?

This album received critical acclaim within the underground music community, often cited as a significant contribution to the post-hardcore genre. Its themes of disillusionment and societal critique resonated with listeners, helping to establish I Hate Sally as an influential act in their scene. Sickness of the Ages is I Hate Sally's debut album, released in 2004 as they emerged from the Canadian post-hardcore scene. The band had been active since the late 1990s, but this album marked their first significant foray into the national spotlight, showcasing their unique sound and lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Sickness of the Ages?

Sickness of the Ages has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Sickness of the Ages

I Hate Sally · 2004

46 min · 10 tracks · post-hardcore

A raw and intense exploration of chaos, blending aggressive riffs with haunting melodies in a post-hardcore landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Clean up the Blood — This track's relentless energy captures the raw emotion and urgent messaging that defines the album, making it a standout anthem for discontent.
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Sickness of the Ages — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, blending intricate guitar work with poignant lyrics that explore existential dread.
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In The Name Of Democracy — With its politically charged narrative and dynamic instrumentation, this track exemplifies I Hate Sally's ability to fuse personal experience with broader social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of aggressive and melodic elements typical of post-hardcore but maintains its own identity.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a dark tone before launching into aggressive guitar riffs in the second track.
Tracks frequently shift between chaotic, high-energy sections and more melodic, haunting passages, creating a dynamic contrast.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the transitions from verses to choruses, enhancing the sense of unpredictability.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 0:13
2 Clean up the Blood 2:25
3 Crushed against the Grain 3:39
4 Iron Fist 7:38
5 Sickness of the Ages 5:44
6 Under the Ribs of Death 4:57
7 In The Name Of Democracy 5:39
8 Root Of All Evil 3:41
9 This Must Be Hell 6:07
10 Wake Up Screaming 6:36

What to play next

Listen next

Don't Worry Lady

2006

Go back to

I Hate Sally vs. GFK: Sp(l)it EP

Full I Hate Sally discography Artists like I Hate Sally Which I Hate Sally albums to start with

post-hardcore

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