When Death Comes cover

When Death Comes

Artillery · 2009

62 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of thrash metal, combining aggressive rhythms with thought-provoking lyrical themes and melodic undertones.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When Death Comes — The title track sets the tone for the entire album with its intricate guitar work and philosophical exploration of mortality, encapsulating the band's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    Delusions of Grandeur — This track showcases dynamic shifts between aggression and melody, exemplifying Artillery's ability to blend technicality with memorable hooks that keep listeners engaged.
  • →
    Damned Religion — Addressing controversial themes around faith and dogma, this song stands out for its bold lyrical content and reflects the band's willingness to tackle complex subjects head-on.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive thrash elements with melodic undertones and thoughtful lyrics, marking a solid return for the band.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features rapid-fire guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate melodic guitar solos that contrast with the aggressive rhythms, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • unrelenting energy for workouts
  • cathartic release of aggression
  • intense focus during tasks
  • invigorating soundtrack for driving

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer mellow, soothing sounds
  • seek short, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When Death Comes is Artillery's fifth studio album, coming nearly a decade after their previous release, 1999's B.A.C.K. This album marked a significant return for the band as they re-established themselves in the thrash metal scene, showcasing a matured sound while still retaining their classic intensity. It was a pivotal moment that reignited interest in their music and solidified their legacy within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Overkill· Testament· Megadeth

Tracklist

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

  • 1 When Death Comes 5:54
  • 2 Upon My Cross I Crawl 5:28
  • 3 10.000 Devils 5:20
  • 4 Rise Above It All 5:32
  • 5 Sandbox Philosophy 4:44
  • 6 Delusions of Grandeur 5:10
  • 7 Not a Nightmare 5:30
  • 8 Damned Religion 5:10
  • 9 Uniform 5:00
  • 10 The End 5:22
  • 11 Refuse to Live, Part 2 4:06
  • 12 Warhead 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata