Whatever It May Take
Heaven Shall Burn · 2002
48 min · 13 tracks · metalcore
A relentless assault of melodic death metal infused with thought-provoking lyrics and a fervent political edge.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Martyrs' Blood — This track encapsulates the album's thematic depth through its exploration of sacrifice and perseverance, showcasing the band's intense sound and lyrical prowess.
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Whatever It May Take — The title track stands out for its anthemic quality, combining powerful riffs with a motivational message that resonates strongly with fans seeking strength amidst adversity.
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Ecowar — This song highlights the band's commitment to environmental issues, marking a significant moment in integrating political consciousness into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and distinct metalcore elements but lacks the polish of later works.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental intro, followed by a sequence of tracks that maintain a high tempo and aggressive energy throughout.
- Each song features intricate guitar work, often employing dual melodies that intertwine with the rhythm section to create a dense sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo progression
- intense exploration of struggle
- resilient themes in lyrics
- pummeling riffs with melody
- focused listening experience
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Whatever It May Take is Heaven Shall Burn's first full-length album, released in 2002 after their earlier EPs established them as rising stars in the metalcore scene. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out their niche within the genre, blending melodic elements with powerful themes of personal and societal struggle.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Caliban· As I Lay Dying· Killswitch Engage
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Worlds in Me
The shift from introspective musings to a declaration of external struggle creates a poignant contrast.
By juxtaposing personal turmoil with broader societal issues, the writing deepens the listener's engagement with both individual and collective experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:49
- 2 Behind a Wall of Silence 3:41
- 3 The Worlds in Me 4:21
- 4 The Martyrs' Blood 4:16
- 5 It Burns Within 4:28
- 6 Implore the Darken Sky 5:08
- 7 The Few Upright 2:16
- 8 Whatever It May Take 3:44
- 9 Ecowar 3:22
- 10 Naked Among Wolves 4:15
- 11 The Fire 4:11
- 12 Casa de Caboclo 2:45
- 13 Implore the Darken Sky (classic version) 5:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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