The Union of Crowns cover

The Union of Crowns

Bury Tomorrow · 2012

54 min · 14 tracks · punk rock

A relentless blend of melodic metalcore and punk energy, punctuated by fierce lyrics and soaring choruses.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Redeemer — Opening with a powerful scream, this track encapsulates the album's dynamic intensity while introducing themes of redemption and struggle against adversity.
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    Lionheart — With anthemic choruses and aggressive verses, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend melody with brutality, making it a staple in their live performances.
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    Message to a King — This track showcases intricate guitar work and emotional lyricism, addressing themes of power and responsibility, which resonate throughout the album.
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    Knight Life — Offering a more playful yet still heavy approach, this song highlights the band’s versatility while maintaining a strong narrative about honor and legacy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive metalcore with melodic elements, showcasing solid songwriting but lacks cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied tempos.
  • Choruses often feature layered vocals, creating a contrast between harsh screams and clean singing that enhances emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • soaring choruses for anthem lovers
  • aggressive riffs for intensity seekers
  • cathartic energy for full volume
  • dynamic shifts between light and

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer mellow, quiet listening
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
The Union of Crowns is Bury Tomorrow's third studio album, released at a pivotal moment when they were solidifying their presence in the UK metalcore scene. Following their previous album, Portraits (2010), this record marked a step towards broader appeal and deeper thematic exploration in their music.
Stylistic neighbors
Architects· While She Sleeps· Parkway Drive

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Message to a King

    A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift from addressing a faceless authority to directly questioning the king's choices, adding personal weight to the na…

    This direct address creates an intimate connection with listeners, transforming abstract themes of power into a compelling dialogue on leadership.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Redeemer 4:32
  • 2 The Maiden 4:37
  • 3 Lionheart 3:38
  • 4 Message to a King 3:49
  • 5 An Honourable Reign 3:59
  • 6 Knight Life 3:31
  • 7 Royal Blood 3:46
  • 8 Bitemarks 3:43
  • 9 Abdication of Power 4:20
  • 10 Kingdom 3:43
  • 11 1603 4:39
  • 12 Sceptres 3:22
  • 13 Vacant Throne 3:26
  • 14 A Curse 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata