What makes We Are the Romans by Botch notable?

We Are the Romans is often cited as a cornerstone of the mathcore movement, influencing numerous bands in the genre. It received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and has been recognized by publications such as Decibel Magazine as one of the most important albums in heavy music. Released in 2000, We Are the Romans was Botch's final studio album, marking a peak in their influential sound before disbanding. Following their previous release, American Nervoso, this album showcased their evolution into a more complex and experimental style that would leave a lasting mark on the metalcore genre.

How many songs are on We Are the Romans?

We Are the Romans has 21 tracks, running approximately 105 minutes.

We Are the Romans

Botch · 2000

105 min · 21 tracks · metalcore

A chaotic blend of intricate rhythms and aggressive vocals, encapsulating the raw energy of early 2000s mathcore.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Transitions From Persona to Object — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between chaotic verses and melodic passages, embodying the band's signature blend of aggression and complexity.
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Saint Matthew Returns to the Womb — The juxtaposition of frantic tempo changes and haunting melodies showcases Botch's ability to create tension, making it a defining moment on the album.
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I Wanna Be a Sex Symbol on My Own Terms — This track combines humor with biting critique, using playful lyrics to challenge societal norms while delivering relentless musical energy.
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C. Thomas Howell as the “Soul Man” — With its unconventional song structure and erratic time signatures, this track exemplifies the creative risk-taking that characterizes We Are the Romans.

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 showcases innovative compositions and distinct vocal styles, though its cohesion suffers from numerous bonus tracks.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between aggressive screams and melodic lines, often layered with harmonies that create a chaotic yet structured sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Transitions From Persona to Object

A sudden shift in lyrical perspective occurs when the narrative voice directly confronts an internal struggle about identity.