Vices cover

Released 20 years ago

Vices

Dead Poetic · 2006

50 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A chaotic blend of post-hardcore urgency and melodic hooks that encapsulates the struggles of modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cannibal vs. Cunning — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive instrumentation and sharp lyrics, encapsulating the internal conflict addressed throughout.
  • →
    In Coma — The dynamic shifts between calm verses and explosive choruses highlight the band's ability to balance melodic elements with intensity, showcasing their musical range.
  • →
    Vices — The title track serves as a powerful conclusion, weaving together themes of addiction and self-reflection with haunting melodies that linger long after listening.

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 and melodic elements effectively but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective tracks.
  • Vocals alternate between harsh screams and clean singing, creating a dynamic contrast that emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 2/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sinless City

    The narrative shifts to address societal decay directly, invoking vivid imagery of urban disillusionment.

    This choice to shift focus from personal struggles to broader societal issues amplifies the song's impact, creating a stark contrast that deepens the listener's engagement.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cannibal vs. Cunning 3:28
  • 2 Lioness 3:27
  • 3 Self-Destruct & Die 3:35
  • 4 Narcotic 3:00
  • 5 In Coma 3:59
  • 6 Long Forgotten 3:20
  • 7 Pretty Pretty 2:54
  • 8 Sinless City 4:13
  • 9 The Victim 4:01
  • 10 Paralytic 4:23
  • 11 Animals 2:39
  • 12 Crashing Down 3:33
  • 13 Copy of a Copy 2:45
  • 14 Vices 5:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata