The Phoenix
CKY · 2017
30 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of alternative metal and rock, driven by heavy riffs and introspective lyrics that confront personal turmoil.
Top tracks — play these first
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Days of Self Destruction — This track exemplifies the album's themes of internal conflict and self-examination through driving rhythms and poignant lyrical imagery.
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Wiping Off the Dead — With its explosive energy and raw emotion, this song encapsulates the band's signature sound while addressing themes of overcoming past hardships.
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Better Than Get Even — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics about personal growth and resilience amidst adversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy riffs with introspective lyrics, showcasing a mix of energy and reflection.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, establishing a high-energy opening.
- The album transitions into more introspective themes in the latter half, with softer instrumentation on tracks like 'Wiping Off the Dead'.
- Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between heavy verses and melodic choruses, creating tension and release.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- introspective themes throughout
- for focused listening
- dynamic energy and emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, The Phoenix is CKY's first album in over a decade, marking their return after a hiatus following their previous album, Carver City (2009). This record showcases a revitalized sound as the band sought to redefine their musical identity while remaining true to their roots in alternative metal and stoner rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Queens of the Stone Age· Deftones· Tool
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Lies From You
The narrative shifts from blame to self-awareness, revealing an internal struggle with deception.
This pivot in perspective marks a critical turning point in the song's emotional arc, emphasizing the complexities of trust and personal accountability.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Replaceable 3:10
- 2 Days of Self Destruction 4:01
- 3 Unknown Enemy 3:44
- 4 Head for a Breakdown 4:20
- 5 The Other Ones 3:15
- 6 Wiping Off the Dead 3:59
- 7 Lies From You 3:32
- 8 Better Than Get Even 4:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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