About this album

Sound: "A chaotic blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric elements, merging industrial metal with dark melodic undertones."

Where they were

Released on October 14, 2003, 'XIII' was Mushroomhead's fourth studio album, following the 2001 release 'M3.' At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the industrial metal scene but faced challenges maintaining commercial momentum after their earlier successes.

Why it matters

'XIII' debuted at number 34 on the Billboard 200 and marked a significant moment for Mushroomhead as they gained wider recognition. The album's darker themes and experimental sound contributed to its critical acclaim and cemented the band's influence within the nu-metal and industrial metal genres during the early 2000s.

Essential tracks

  • "Sun Doesn't Rise" — This track features haunting melodies paired with aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating the thematic essence of disillusionment present throughout the album.
  • "The Dream Is Over" — With its poignant lyrics and dynamic shifts between heavy and melodic sections, this song exemplifies Mushroomhead's ability to blend aggression with introspection.
  • "Destroy the World Around Me" — As one of the longest tracks on the album, it showcases intricate arrangements and a climactic build-up that reflects the overarching narrative of chaos and destruction.
  • "Thirteen" — The closing track serves as a powerful culmination of the album’s themes, combining lyrical depth with an expansive soundscape that leaves a lasting impression.

Release Date

October 14, 2003

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Kill Tomorrow 3:44
  2. 2 Sun Doesn't Rise 3:13
  3. 3 Mother Machine Gun 4:16
  4. 4 Nowhere to Go 3:42
  5. 5 Becoming Cold (216) 4:25
  6. 6 One More Day 3:36
  7. 7 The Dream Is Over 3:15
  8. 8 The War Inside 2:58
  9. 9 Almost Gone 4:01
  10. 10 Eternal 3:12
  11. 11 Our Own Way 3:40
  12. 12 Destroy the World Around Me 8:21
  13. 13 Thirteen 9:30
  14. 14 Treason 2:34
  15. 15 Loop #6 3:36