What makes The Locust Years by Hammers of Misfortune notable?

The Locust Years received significant praise for its ambitious composition and lyrical themes, contributing to Hammers of Misfortune's growing reputation within the progressive metal scene. It charted on several music platforms and has been noted for its influence on subsequent heavy metal bands seeking to blend complex musical structures with thought-provoking narratives. Released as Hammers of Misfortune's fourth studio album, The Locust Years arrived after their critically acclaimed record, The August Engine, in 2006. At this point, the band had solidified their lineup and sound, showcasing an evolution that combined progressive metal with folk elements and operatic vocals. This album marked a pivotal moment as they sought to expand their audience while maintaining artistic depth.

How many songs are on The Locust Years?

The Locust Years has 8 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Locust Years

Hammers of Misfortune · 2006

45 min · 8 tracks · progressive metal

A complex fusion of heavy riffs and intricate melodies paints a vivid narrative of struggle and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Locust Years — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's thematic essence while showcasing dynamic shifts between melodic passages and aggressive instrumentation.
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War Anthem — This track stands out with its militaristic rhythms and powerful lyrics that critique societal norms, reflecting the album’s overarching themes of conflict and consequence.
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Election Day — With its politically charged lyrics and climactic build-up, this song highlights the band's ability to intertwine personal struggles with broader societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious composition and varied vocal styles contribute to its strong identity within progressive metal.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, often layered to create a dense vocal texture that enhances the narrative themes.
The track 'Famine’s Lamp' includes an extended instrumental passage that showcases intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in intensity.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Locust Years 7:32
2 We Are the Widows 3:17
3 Trot Out the Dead 4:14
4 Famine’s Lamp 5:16
5 Chastity Rides 6:07
6 War Anthem 5:25
7 Election Day 5:38
8 Widow’s Wall 7:28

What to play next

Listen next

Fields/Church of Broken Glass

2008

Go back to

The August Engine

2003

Full Hammers of Misfortune discography Artists like Hammers of Misfortune

progressive metal

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