The Ruiner cover

The Ruiner

Made Out of Babies · 2008

42 min · 9 tracks · punk rock

A cacophony of dissonant guitars and haunting vocals collide in a turbulent exploration of inner chaos and existential dread.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Grimace — This track exemplifies the band's ability to merge chaotic instrumentation with emotionally charged lyrics, creating a visceral listening experience that hooks listeners immediately.
  • →
    Invisible Ink — With its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, this song captures the essence of the album's exploration of psychological turmoil and resilience.
  • →
    Buffalo — At just over two minutes, this track delivers a relentless barrage of sound that showcases the band's punk rock roots while maintaining their signature heaviness.
  • →
    Stranger — The lengthy composition allows for an expansive exploration of themes, as it builds tension through intricate guitar work and shattering crescendos.

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 intense sound and structure create a compelling yet challenging listen, marking it as distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs layered with chaotic drumming, creating a dense soundscape that sets a confrontational tone.
  • Vocals alternate between melodic lines and harsh screams, often overlapping with the instrumentation to enhance the feeling of turmoil.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the second half, which disrupts expectations and maintains tension throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • How to Get Bigger

    A pivotal section shifts from reflective vulnerability to an aggressive confrontation with self-doubt and societal expectations.

    This contrast between introspection and aggression reflects the internal struggle prevalent throughout the album, highlighting a key thematic duality.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cooker 5:49
  • 2 Grimace 3:46
  • 3 Invisible Ink 4:36
  • 4 The Major 5:31
  • 5 Buffalo 2:41
  • 6 Bunny Boots 4:15
  • 7 Stranger 7:07
  • 8 Peew 2:28
  • 9 How to Get Bigger 6:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata