Stabbing Westward cover

Stabbing Westward

Stabbing Westward · 2001

44 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of brooding industrial beats and melodic alternative rock, layered with introspective lyrics and haunting vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Perfect — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend emotional vulnerability with an anthemic chorus, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Wasted — With its driving rhythm and dark lyrical themes, this song captures the essence of personal struggle that defines much of the album.
  • →
    Angel — The haunting melody and poignant lyrics create an atmosphere of longing and despair, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of industrial and alternative rock elements, with solid production but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, slower tempo that alters the album's momentum.
  • Vocals are layered with effects, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the industrial beats throughout the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, with quieter verses building into explosive choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • brooding emotional landscapes
  • reflective listening sessions
  • immersive storytelling experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 22, 2001, this self-titled album marked Stabbing Westward's fourth studio effort, following their 1998 release 'Darkest Days.' At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in sound while still retaining their raw emotional intensity, aiming to connect with a broader audience amidst the changing landscape of early 2000s rock.
Stylistic neighbors
Nine Inch Nails· Ministry· Filter

Tracklist

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

  • 1 So Far Away 4:10
  • 2 Perfect 3:46
  • 3 I Remember 5:43
  • 4 Wasted 4:45
  • 5 Happy 4:03
  • 6 The Only Thing 5:38
  • 7 Angel 4:22
  • 8 Breathe You In 4:00
  • 9 High 3:21
  • 10 Television 4:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata