The Ills of Modern Man
Despised Icon · 2007
39 min · 10 tracks · deathcore
A relentless barrage of guttural vocals and complex rhythms collide with atmospheric interludes, creating an immersive deathcore experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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In the Arms of Perdition — The opening track sets the tone with intense instrumentation and rapid tempo changes that highlight the band's technical prowess and aggressive style.
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Quarantine — This track features intricate guitar work paired with dynamic shifts between melodic sections and brutal breakdowns, exemplifying the album's thematic complexity.
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The Ills of Modern Man — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of societal issues, combining powerful lyrics with a relentless musical backdrop that showcases the band's signature sound.
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Tears of the Blameless — This song stands out for its emotional depth, featuring haunting melodies that contrast sharply with the heavier elements, illustrating the band's versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines technical proficiency with heavy breakdowns, making it a notable entry in deathcore.
What we noticed
- Guttural vocals dominate the sound, but several tracks include atmospheric interludes that provide contrast and space.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a sense of closure as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- intense bursts of aggression
- intricate rhythms for detail hunters
- short tracks for quick engagement
- cathartic release of frustration
- chaotic energy for high intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, soothing sounds
- seek long, meditative experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'The Ills of Modern Man' was released in 2007, Despised Icon was already a prominent name in the deathcore scene following their breakthrough album 'The Healing Process' in 2005. This release marked their fourth studio album and showcased their evolving sound while solidifying their status within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thy Art Is Murder· Carnifex· Whitechapel
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Furtive Monologue
A poignant reflection on isolation unfolds as the narrative voice grapples with feelings of disconnection from modern society.
The choice to present this introspective moment amidst chaotic instrumentals highlights a stark contrast that deepens the emotional weight of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In the Arms of Perdition 4:24
- 2 Furtive Monologue 3:22
- 3 Quarantine 4:07
- 4 The Ills of Modern Man 3:50
- 5 A Fractured Hand 4:35
- 6 Sheltered Reminiscence 3:12
- 7 Nameless 3:01
- 8 Tears of the Blameless 4:06
- 9 Oval Shaped Incisions 4:02
- 10 Fainted Blue Ornaments 5:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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