Customer Reviews

Battle Hymns

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

With their second album, The Sucide Machines take a much more punk type approach rather than the blended ska/punk/revival 3rd wave type of style on DBD. However, no complaints emerging from here. Also unlike "Destruction by Definition's" 'fun' idea of the CD, "Battle Hymns" gives me more of an 'in your face' vibe, which has been mentioned be for. Although the tracks on this disc may be short, they will keep you wanting more until you reach the end of the CD. Sadly, this is the band's last album with drummer, Derek Grant, who had a very exciting and blazing-fast touch ( he is now with the Alkaline Trio, hahahaha! ). Ryan, the new drummer, is almost too fundamental at times, not having what Derek brought to the table as a Suicide Machine. This would also be the bands last album, for a while anyway, with the ska/punk type of feel throughout. I, personally, still love the other albums, but some people seem to think the next two albums, the self-titled and "Steal this Record", are out of place. WARNING - when played loud this CD may result in broken windows. Thank you for your time.

This album is not for everyone. Each SM CD has been so different from the last, so, this one may not appeal to those who liked the self titled album (I didn't). However, this album exemplifies what punk rock SHOULD be, but isn't. While I may be alone in this, when I hear this CD, I am taken back 15 or so years. While, yes, this disk, has a very political message, it is one that is positive. The message is about unity and breaking down racial walls. Songs like "black and white world" or "hating hate" adequately send this message, and it's loud and clear to these ears.

If you're looking for a good punk/ska cd, you definitely need to get this cd. It is more punk than ska; some songs are pure punk (Hatred) while others are a little more ska (Give) while others are a perfect blend of both (Someone). It's very fast-paced, short, energetic, in your face punk/ska. Other albums (that I know of) similar to this or at least punk/ska would be Rancid's "...And Out Come the Wolves" and Operation Ivy. I would also check out Less Than Jake, who are one of my favorite bands. They are not as hardcore but are definitely energentic punk/ska (more ska than punk, with a lot of horns).

I'm mostly a hardcore/metal fan, but this is one of the few punk/ska albums that I like. Its full of catchy rhythms and insightful lyrics. They'll have an upbeat ska rhythm one minute and completely change to a heavy, hardcore section with screaming and everything. 22 tracks, mostly around 1-2 minutes long (except for Punck and Jah) and all of them are a pleasure to listen to. My favorites are "Someone", "Confused" and "Black And White World". Buy this now.

This is definately a album worth buying. The Suicide Machines are one of the best punk bands you'll find anywhere!!! Both musically and in terms of energy! Add in a good message in every single song and you've got a legendary punk band and a really great album!

Great hard core. The Suicide Machines rock

On this album, the Suicide Machines went political, with very positive results in my humble opinion. Most of the songs have very positive, intellgient political lyrics, which is a big plus for any album. On some tracks the Machines keep the sytle that everyone loves from Destruction by Definition. But then they go into fast, hard, balls-out punk rawk. Great stuff, especially when they blend the two different styles. My favorite tracks have got to be Pins and Needles, Someone, Black and White World, and DDT. But they are all great, fun, energetic ska-core songs, signature Suicide Machines. Most ska-punk or ska-core lovers will enjoy this album, as will a lot of political hardcore punks.

A fantastic album. Purely genius. The mix of ska a punk is a pure delight to listen to. If you haven't heard it, I would highly suggest doing a little sampling. It is definately something that you will want to buy.

No, it's not their debut, but it's almost as good and since these guys broke up a couple years ago it'll definitely be another classic album from a band that is nothing shy of legendary.

When this CD came out and all we had to compare it to was "Destruction by Definition" we noticed a few changes. The lyrics are more political. The songs are faster, shorter, and there are more of them. This CD blasts through 20 songs in about 30 minutes, do the math, that's a minute and a half per song. Every single one of these 'minute and a half's is incredible however, and the speed only adds to the catchiness of the punk/ska that we were introduced to on their first CD.

The only reason this CD doesn't get 5 stars is because I have one big issue. Yes the songs are amazingly catchy and will get stuck in your head. Yes Dan's guitar shreds and Jay's vocals are phenominal as they always are. BUT, Royce is an incredible bassist, as he proved on destruction by definition. The issue I have is that the music here is so fast that we don't get any of Royce's technical, complex, signature basslines that we heard on the first CD on songs like "No Face" "I Don't Wanna Hear It" and "Hey!"

Other than that, this is a must for all fans of punk, all fans of ska, all fans of this band, all fans of music. I took this CD to work with me and one of my co-workers saw it, and he said to me "Finally, someone who works here with some taste." Rock on my friend, rock on.

I loved the Suicide Machines after hearing their first album "Destruction by Definition" back when I was about 14 years old. It was when I was first getting into punk, but as I listened to more and more I wanted to hear things that were faster and hit harder.
Then the Suicide Machines release "Battle Hymns" which hit harder than Destruction by Definition and the longest song was maybe 3 minutes. I first owned Battle Hymns on Casette tape and came very close to wearing it out.

I have been a Suicide Machines fan since Destruction by Definition and really only did not like their self titled release. Their sound has centered around punk, ska and hardcore yet each album offers something a little different without going too far off base.
I would argue that Battle Hymns is their most hard hitting album. Not that other albums of theirs don't have hard hitting song, but Battle Hymns very seldomly lets you take a break from the hard hitting beats and screaming vocals. It is a great contrast to their first release.

I still remember going to their shows and being in the pit when they start playing "DDT." Everyone would go completely insane. Good times, I miss these guys.