About this album
Sound:
"A dense, brooding landscape of industrial metal that melds crushing riffs with haunting atmospheres."
Where they were
Released in 2001, 'Hymns' was Godflesh's fifth studio album, emerging after a four-year hiatus following their previous album 'Us and Them'. At this point, the band was navigating a transition in sound, incorporating more atmospheric elements while retaining their signature heavy sound.
Why it matters
'Hymns' marked a notable departure from Godflesh's earlier work, showcasing a more introspective and experimental approach. The album received positive reviews from critics and helped solidify the band's influence on the post-metal genre, contributing to the melding of heavy music with ambient textures.
Essential tracks
- "Defeated" — 'Defeated' opens the album with a relentless intensity, setting a tone that encapsulates both despair and aggression.
- "Anthem" — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, 'Anthem' stands out as both a rallying cry and a poignant reflection on disillusionment.
- "Vampires" — 'Vampires' showcases the band's ability to blend crushing heaviness with eerie melodies, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after listening.
- "Jesu" — The lengthy track 'Jesu' closes the album with a meditative quality, merging ethereal sounds with weighty guitar work, embodying the album's overall exploration of darkness.
Release Date
January 1, 2001
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Defeated 6:05
- 2 Deaf, Dumb & Blind 4:24
- 3 Paralyzed 5:08
- 4 Anthem 5:24
- 5 Voidhead 4:41
- 6 Tyrant 4:05
- 7 White Flag 6:25
- 8 For Life 5:10
- 9 Animals 3:52
- 10 Vampires 6:28
- 11 Antihuman 4:23
- 12 Regal 4:37
- 13 Jesu 12:48
