What makes The Killing Had Begun by X Marks the Pedwalk notable?

The album is significant for its critical reception within the industrial music scene, with notable reviews highlighting its intricate sound design and lyrical depth. It has been influential for subsequent electro-industrial acts and is often referenced as a key work during a pivotal era for the genre in the early '90s. Released in 1994, The Killing Had Begun was X Marks the Pedwalk's third studio album, following their notable sophomore effort, Drawback. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the electro-industrial genre, building on the success of their earlier releases to explore darker themes and more complex production techniques.

How many songs are on The Killing Had Begun?

The Killing Had Begun has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

The Killing Had Begun

X Marks the Pedwalk · 1994

51 min · 11 tracks · electro-industrial

Dark, pulsating rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive electro-industrial soundscape that captivates and unsettles.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Promise You a Murder — This opening track sets the tone for the album, blending aggressive beats with eerie vocals to immediately immerse listeners in its dark aesthetic.
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Wipe No Tears — With its melodic hooks and introspective lyrics, this track showcases the band's ability to balance catchy elements with a brooding atmosphere.
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Worthless — This song stands out for its raw emotional intensity and dynamic shifts, reflecting the album's exploration of despair and existential themes.
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Your Eyes — The lengthy composition features layered synths and a haunting vocal delivery that encapsulates the essence of X Marks the Pedwalk's style, making it a memorable centerpiece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate sound design and thematic depth contribute to its strong standing within the electro-industrial genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a steady, driving beat layered with distorted vocals, setting a dark tone.
The use of atmospheric synths alongside rhythmic elements creates a dense soundscape that often feels claustrophobic.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of violence and existential dread, with many songs featuring fragmented narratives.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 I Promise You a Murder 5:05
2 Wipe No Tears 4:12
3 Cul-de-Sac 4:42
4 No Premonition 5:01
5 Worthless 4:01
6 Made of Wax 4:49
7 My Back 4:19
8 The Occurence 5:17
9 Your Eyes 6:20
10 Conversion 3:24
11 Insight 4:02

What to play next

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Full X Marks the Pedwalk discography Artists like X Marks the Pedwalk

electro-industrial

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata