What makes Subhuman Race by Skid Row notable?

Subhuman Race received mixed reviews upon release but has since been recognized for its influence in the heavy metal genre during the mid-90s. The album peaked at number 35 on the Billboard 200 chart, highlighting its commercial impact despite the declining popularity of hair metal at the time. Released on March 28, 1995, Subhuman Race was Skid Row's third studio album and came after the band's commercial peak in the early '90s. The album showcased a more mature sound as they navigated lineup changes, with frontman Sebastian Bach still leading the charge but facing pressures from an evolving music scene.

Who is Subhuman Race for?

Subhuman Race works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, introspective moments amidst heavy riffs and for late-night reflection.

How many songs are on Subhuman Race?

Subhuman Race has 13 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Subhuman Race

Skid Row · 1995

56 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal

A gritty fusion of heavy metal and hard rock, marked by aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Enemy — The opening track sets a dark tone with its driving rhythm and powerful vocal delivery, encapsulating the album's themes of internal conflict.
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Frozen — This track features haunting melodies paired with intense lyrical content, showcasing Skid Row's ability to blend vulnerability with their heavier sound.
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Subhuman Race — The title track is an anthem that reflects societal disillusionment and personal struggles, resonating deeply within the context of the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100

Lowland

Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album combines heavy riffs with introspective lyrics but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs that dominate the majority of tracks, creating a gritty sound throughout.
Several songs incorporate tempo shifts, with slower, introspective sections contrasting against aggressive choruses.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal struggle and societal issues, often delivered with a raw vocal intensity.

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: 6/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
introspective moments amidst heavy riffs
for late-night reflection
engaging storytelling through varied pacing

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek consistent upbeat energy

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 28, 1995, Subhuman Race was Skid Row's third studio album and came after the band's commercial peak in the early '90s. The album showcased a more mature sound as they navigated lineup changes, with frontman Sebastian Bach still leading the charge but facing pressures from an evolving music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Pantera· Guns N' Roses· Alice in Chains