This one is a little bit weaker than the band's self-titled album before it, mainly in the production department. It kind of feels like it was recorded in a tunnel, the guitars just don't have as much punchiness and prominence as I think they should. But, as it is crowbar, the riffs are so damn good that I can easily overlook any flaws that this might have. Probably the weakest of their first three, but only barely and it's still absolutely great.
(EDIT)
80 ===> 85
Really undermined this on my first listen, some absolute Crowbar classics here, arguably some of their most depressing and crushing lyrics to date also.
I just wish the tone was a bit better, cos on S/T they already had it pretty fantastic and they would end up getting it even better, but yeah this feels a bit more loose and not as loud and clear as some of their best of the best stuff.
Idk why people push this album to the side on best of lists for Crowbar because the riffs and foreboding energy Kirk gives are some of the best in the Crowbar discography
Stronger than the self-titled album
1 - The Only Factorโญ
2 - Embracing Emptinessโญ
3 - Leave it Behindโญ
4 - A Perpetual Needโญ
5 - No More Can We Crawlโญ
6 - Lack of Toleranceโญ
7 - Still I Reachโญ
8 - Numb Sensitive
9 - Time Heals Nothing
10 - Through a Wall of Tears
| 1 | The Only Factor 3:15 | 98 |
| 2 | No More Can We Crawl 2:58 | 86 |
| 3 | Time Heals Nothing 4:41 | 92 |
| 4 | Leave It Behind 3:26 | 85 |
| 5 | Through a Wall of Tears 6:04 | 89 |
| 6 | Lack of Tolerance 3:15 | 85 |
| 7 | Still I Reach 3:25 | 81 |
| 8 | Embracing Emptiness 3:37 | 98 |
| 9 | A Perpetual Need 4:06 | 94 |
| 10 | Numb Sensitive 3:24 | 80 |