Released 10 years ago
Straight from the Barrio
Upon a Burning Body · 2016
40 min · 12 tracks · metalcore
Brutal grooves intertwine with melodic undertones, capturing a raw energy that defines the band's unique blend of metalcore and deathcore.
Top tracks — play these first
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'til the Break of Dawn — This opening track sets an aggressive tone with its relentless riffs and powerful vocals, establishing the thematic intensity that permeates the album.
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Media Blackout — A standout track that critiques modern media's influence, it combines fast-paced instrumentation with sharp lyrics that challenge listeners to question what they consume.
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Straight From the Barrio — The title track embodies the band's cultural roots, blending personal narrative with heavy instrumentals to create a powerful anthem for self-identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and distinct sound but lacks cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of heavy breakdowns interspersed with melodic guitar leads, creating a dynamic contrast throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments that address societal issues, adding depth to the lyrical content.
- The tempo shifts frequently, with some songs maintaining a relentless pace while others slow down for emotional impact.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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
- high-energy anthems for workouts
- raw emotional release in tracks
- short bursts of intense energy
- cathartic expressions of frustration
- engaging sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, slow-paced music
- seek intricate, lengthy compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon a Burning Body was on the cusp of mainstream recognition with 'Straight from the Barrio,' their third studio album, following their 2014 release 'The World is My Enemy.' This album marked a point where they began to refine their sound while exploring cultural themes rooted in their heritage, showcasing a more mature songwriting approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carnifex· Chelsea Grin· The Black Dahlia Murder
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Media Blackout
A segment shifts from aggressive verses to a haunting chorus emphasizing disillusionment with media narratives.
The contrast between the harsh delivery and vulnerable reflection in this moment effectively underscores the song's critical commentary on societal perceptions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ’til the Break of Dawn 3:44
- 2 Already Broken 2:54
- 3 You Don’t Own Me 2:58
- 4 Media Blackout 2:37
- 5 B.M.F. 3:42
- 6 Straight From the Barrio (210) 3:49
- 7 Leave the Pain Behind 3:23
- 8 Walk Alone Again 3:17
- 9 Fake Plastic Smile 3:24
- 10 D.T.A. (Don’t Trust Anyone) 3:34
- 11 The Outcast 3:51
- 12 My Distorted Reflection 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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