The Hymn of a Broken Man
The Hymn of a Broken Man | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | January 18, 2011 | |||
Recorded | 2007–2010 | |||
Studio |
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Genre | ||||
Length | 52:56 | |||
Label | Roadrunner | |||
Producer | Adam Dutkiewicz | |||
Times of Grace chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Hymn of a Broken Man | ||||
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Alternative cover | ||||
![]() Single cover for "Strength in Numbers" |
The Hymn of a Broken Man is the debut album by American heavy metal band Times of Grace, released on January 18, 2011, through Roadrunner Records.
Background
When touring the UK with Killswitch Engage,[1] guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz required emergency surgery on his back.[1] While in the hospital recovering, he began writing new material which he later recorded and demoed at home.[1] Dutkiewicz later contacted former Killswitch Engage bandmate and singer Jesse Leach about writing lyrics and recording vocals[1] feeling that he "[doesn't] think [he is] the greatest vocalist and lyricist" and "wanted a little help in that department."[1] Under the moniker Times of Grace, they began recording material in 2008[2] with Dutkiewicz stating on the group's Myspace that the songs were "an epic mix of Metal/Rock/Pop/Shoe gaze & Punk. All of your metal expectations will be incorrect, we are pushing genre boundaries".[2] They hoped to release an album of finished material by the summer of 2009.[2]
After completing the recording of material in 2009,[3] Times of Grace returned in 2010[4][5][6] to release their debut album.[4] Dutkiewicz recorded vocals,[1] guitars, bass and drums for the album[1] with Leach providing lead vocals and lyrics.[1] In September, they filmed a video for the single "Strength in Numbers",[7] with debut album The Hymn of a Broken Man scheduled for release on November 9.[7] However, the album's release was delayed[8] with a new release date of January 18, 2011.[3][9] The majority of songs on the album are played in Drop D tuning, although for the songs "Fight for Life", "Until the End of Days", "The End of Eternity" and "Fall From Grace" Adam uses a 7 string tuned to Drop A.
A limited CD/DVD edition was also released, featuring 13 companion videos made by Agata Alexander which present a visual interpretation of the album.
Reception
Aggregate scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Artistdirect | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
BBC Music | favorable[15] |
Blistering | 8.5/10[16] |
PopMatters | 8/10[17] |
Rock Sound | 8/10[18] |
Critical
The Hymn of a Broken Man received generally positive reviews, scoring a 69 out of 100 on
Commercial
Upon release, The Hymn of a Broken Man charted at number 44 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 10,000 copies.[19] It also debuted at number 2 on the Hard Rock charts and number 13 on the Rock album chart overall as well.
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz; all music is composed by Adam Dutkiewicz
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Strength in Numbers" | 4:16 |
2. | "Fight for Life" | 3:36 |
3. | "Willing" | 3:23 |
4. | "Where the Spirit Leads Me" | 3:36 |
5. | "Until the End of Days" | 4:21 |
6. | "Live in Love" | 3:49 |
7. | "In the Arms of Mercy" (instrumental) | 1:54 |
8. | "Hymn of a Broken Man" | 3:13 |
9. | "The Forgotten One" | 4:38 |
10. | "Hope Remains" | 4:49 |
11. | "The End of Eternity" | 5:52 |
12. | "Worlds Apart" | 4:33 |
13. | "Fall from Grace" | 4:57 |
Total length: | 52:56 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
14. | "Willing" (acoustic version) | 3:25 |
Total length: | 56:22 |
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Strength in Numbers" (music video) | |
2. | "Strength in Numbers" (visual interpretation) | |
3. | "Fight for Life" (visual interpretation) | |
4. | "Willing" (visual interpretation) | |
5. | "Where the Spirit Leads Me" (visual interpretation) | |
6. | "Until the End of Days" (visual interpretation) | |
7. | "Live in Love" (visual interpretation) | |
8. | "In the Arms of Mercy" (visual interpretation) | |
9. | "Hymn of a Broken Man" (visual interpretation) | |
10. | "The Forgotten One" (visual interpretation) | |
11. | "Hope Remains" (visual interpretation) | |
12. | "The End of Eternity" (visual interpretation) | |
13. | "Worlds Apart" (visual interpretation) | |
14. | "Fall from Grace" (visual interpretation) |
Charts
Chart (2011) | Peak Position |
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German Newcomer Chart[20]
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7 |
U.S. Billboard 200[19] | 44 |
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.[21]
Times of Grace
Additional musicians
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Production and design
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References
- ^ MusicRadar.
- ^ a b c "Killswitch member's new project". Kerrang!. October 8, 2008.
- ^ a b "A Message From Jesse Leach..." Roadrunner. November 5, 2010.
- ^ a b "ADAM DUTKIEWICZ And JESSE LEACH Re-Team In TIMES OF GRACE". Blabbermouth.net. August 17, 2010. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010.
- ^ "Times Of Grace See Adam D & Original KSE Singer Reunited". Metal Hammer. August 18, 2010. Archived from the original on January 27, 2011.
- ^ "Killswitch Engage guitarist teams up with original singer". Kerrang!. August 18, 2010.
- ^ a b "TIMES OF GRACE To Film 'Strength In Numbers' Video". Blabbermouth.net. September 22, 2010. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013.
- ^ "Times Of Grace Album Delayed". Metal Hammer. November 10, 2010. Archived from the original on November 26, 2010.
- ^ "TIMES OF GRACE: 'The Hymn Of A Broken Man' Artwork, Final Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. October 21, 2010. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010.
- ^ a b "The Hymn of a Broken Man - Times of Grace". Metacritic. Retrieved July 26, 2011.
- About.com. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
- ^ "Times of Grace - Hymn of a Broken Man". AbsolutePunk. February 18, 2011.
- Allmusic. Retrieved January 15, 2011.
- ^ Florino, Rick (January 3, 2011). "Times Of Grace "The Hymn Of A Broken Man" Review". Artistdirect.
- ^ Rauf, Raziq (January 24, 2011). "Times of Grace The Hymn of a Broken Man Review". BBC.
- ^ Mallah, Leon. "Times of Grace - The Hymn Of A Broken Man (Roadrunner Records)". Blistering. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
- ^ Colgan, Chris (March 18, 2011). "Times of Grace: The Hymn of a Broken Man". PopMatters.
- ^ Kerswell, Ronnie (January 10, 2011). "Times Of Grace - The Hymn Of A Broken Man". Rock Sound.
- ^ a b "TIMES OF GRACE Debut Cracks U.S. Top 50". Blabbermouth.net. January 26, 2011. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012.
- ^ "Bruno Mars zum Zweiten". media control. January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
- ^ The Hymn of a Broken Man liner notes (RR 7740-5). Roadrunner Records. 2011.