Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes cover

Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes

Propagandhi · 2001

33 min · 14 tracks · punk rock

A relentless barrage of politically charged melodies and aggressive rhythms that confront societal injustices head-on.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fuck the Border — This track encapsulates the band's anti-establishment ethos with its raw energy and urgent tempo, directly challenging notions of nationalism and border control.
  • →
    Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes — The title track serves as a powerful manifesto on the consequences of imperialism, blending melodic hooks with hard-hitting lyrics that demand critical introspection.
  • →
    Ordinary People Do Fucked‐Up Things When Fucked‐Up Things Become Ordinary — This song analyzes societal desensitization through a frenetic pace and biting commentary, making it a standout example of Propagandhi's ability to tackle complex themes succinctly.

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 aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics create a distinct and cohesive punk experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a confrontational tone before launching into fast-paced, aggressive guitar riffs.
  • Many songs feature abrupt endings or transitions, enhancing the feeling of chaos and intensity in the music.
  • Lyrically, the album addresses specific political issues directly, often using vivid imagery and provocative language.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short, intense listening sessions
  • quick bursts of energy
  • dynamic lyrical engagement
  • immediate emotional reactions

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2001, Propagandhi was solidifying their status within the punk scene with 'Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes', their third studio album. Released following the critically acclaimed 'Less Talk, More Rock', this album showcased their evolution towards more complex arrangements and deeper political commentary, reflecting a maturation in both sound and lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors
Strike Anywhere· A Wilhelm Scream· Against Me!

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mate Ka Moris Ukun Rasik An 3:03
  • 2 Fuck the Border 1:31
  • 3 Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes 2:37
  • 4 Back to the Motor League 2:40
  • 5 Natural Disasters 2:04
  • 6 With Friends Like These Who the Fuck Needs COINTELPRO? 3:23
  • 7 Albright Monument, Baghdad 2:27
  • 8 Ordinary People Do Fucked‐Up Things When Fucked‐Up Things Become Ordinary 2:17
  • 9 Ladies’ Nite in Loserville 1:45
  • 10 Ego fum Papa (I Am the Pope) 1:38
  • 11 New Homes for Idle Hands 1:44
  • 12 Bullshit Politicians 1:33
  • 13 March of the Crabs 1:56
  • 14 Purina Hall of Fame 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata