Survival of the Sickest cover

Survival of the Sickest

Saliva · 2004

51 min · 14 tracks · heavy metal

A high-octane blend of heavy riffs and anthemic choruses fueled by the raw energy of nu metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rock & Roll Revolution — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its driving beat and rebellious lyrics that encapsulate the essence of rock culture.
  • →
    Survival of the Sickest — The title track delivers a catchy chorus and sharp lyrical commentary on resilience, making it a standout anthem for fans of the genre.
  • →
    Fuck All Y'all — With its aggressive tone and provocative lyrics, this track exemplifies Saliva's unapologetic attitude, resonating with listeners seeking a cathartic release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic riffs and anthemic choruses typical of nu metal but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining this intensity through the first half before introducing slower, more melodic elements.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating anthemic moments that engage listeners during choruses.
  • The last three tracks include a notable drop in tempo and dynamics, providing a contrast to the preceding high-octane material.
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
5/10

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 energy for gym sessions
  • sing-along anthems for parties
  • high-octane drive soundtrack
  • cathartic release after stress

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, soundscapes
  • seek intricate, layered compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its high energy and nu metal sound, following a breakthrough album.
Career context
Released on August 17, 2004, 'Survival of the Sickest' was Saliva's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'Every Six Seconds' in 2001. At this point in their career, the band sought to solidify their presence in the nu metal scene, building upon their established sound while facing increasing competition from other emerging acts.
Stylistic neighbors
Mudvayne· Disturbed· Godsmack

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Rock & Roll Revolution 4:39
  • 2 Bait & Switch 3:35
  • 3 One Night Only 3:55
  • 4 Survival of the Sickest 4:07
  • 5 No Regrets (Vol. 2) 5:02
  • 6 Two Steps Back 3:34
  • 7 Open Eyes 3:57
  • 8 Fuck All Y'all 3:29
  • 9 I Want You 3:41
  • 10 Carry On 3:30
  • 11 Razor's Edge 3:22
  • 12 No Hard Feelings 3:57
  • 13 [silence] 0:05
  • 14 Sex, Drugs & Rock -n- Roll 4:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata