Twisted by Design
Strung Out · 1998
36 min · 14 tracks · punk rock
Melodic hardcore energy collides with introspective lyrics, delivering a relentless blend of punk rock fervor and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Too Close to See — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and urgent vocals, establishing the themes of introspection and struggle that permeate throughout.
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Exhumation of Virginia Madison — This song combines catchy melodies with dark lyrical imagery, showcasing the band's ability to balance aggression and melody effectively.
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Reason to Believe — A standout track that encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending personal reflection with a powerful chorus that invites listener participation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic punk rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong musicianship and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, while the fourth introduces a slower, more introspective feel that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- The lyrics often shift between personal reflection and social commentary, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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, punchy listening sessions
- steady energy with introspection
- dynamic emotional experiences
- immediate hooks and melodies
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Twisted by Design was Strung Out's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed album Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues. By this point in their career, they had solidified their status within the melodic hardcore scene, gaining increased recognition for their technical prowess and lyrical complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- No Use for a Name· Lagwagon· Pennywise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Too Close to See 3:01
- 2 Exhumation of Virginia Madison 2:20
- 3 Deville 2:12
- 4 Mind of My Own 2:33
- 5 Reason to Believe 2:15
- 6 Crossroads 2:54
- 7 Paperwalls 3:23
- 8 Ice Burn 2:09
- 9 Ultimate Devotion 2:06
- 10 King Alvarez 2:22
- 11 Asking for the World 2:25
- 12 Tattoo 2:23
- 13 Just Like Me 2:04
- 14 Match Book 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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