A Hero's Death
by Fontaines D.C.
  • Record Label: Partisan
  • Release Date: Jul 31, 2020
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 55
  3. Negative: 3 out of 55
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  1. shabazz
    Aug 3, 2020
    8
    In "A Night at Montrose, Dublin" live, you can see Grian Chatten wearing a Pogues t-shirt. Just saying.
  2. Ricko
    Nov 29, 2020
    8
    Fontaines DC take the pressure of the difficult 2nd album in their stride and follow up their blistering 2019 debut "Dogrel" with an assured and confident step forward on "A Hero's Death", coming barely over a year later. The title track and lead single is one of the songs of 2020, a 4 minute manifesto that states the "life ain't always empty". A suitable anthem to one of the darker yearsFontaines DC take the pressure of the difficult 2nd album in their stride and follow up their blistering 2019 debut "Dogrel" with an assured and confident step forward on "A Hero's Death", coming barely over a year later. The title track and lead single is one of the songs of 2020, a 4 minute manifesto that states the "life ain't always empty". A suitable anthem to one of the darker years in modern history. "I Was Not Born" is equally defiant while the more subdued opener "I Don't Belong" delivers a similar message. It's not all swagger though and this album see's the band in an understandably more reflective mood than on their debut ("Love is the Main Thing", "You Said"). Closer "No" invokes the spirit of their fellow Dubliners U2, lifting the tune of their "Rattle and Hum" track "All I Want is You". "A Hero's Death" sees Grian Chatten's lyrics delivered in his Dublin drawl sounds as cool as ever but the band are a power house in backing him up. With a shock Grammy nomination in the bag less than 2 years after their debut, the sky is the limit for these lads. They have the style and substance and as important as anything else, they seem to have timed their arrival perfectly. In a world that is saturated with 3 minute disposable pop streams, Fontaines DC have brought some culture, identity and personality to the table.… Expand
  3. manonwire40
    Nov 12, 2021
    9
    Fantastic second album where the band mature before our eyes with a collection of songs that feel bigger, older, wiser. Outstanding.
  4. Larissajkx
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    the album is good and addictive beautiful vocals and poetic lyrics and sound is very nice
  5. hayesrjack
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    The first time listening round the album i wasn't really feeling it but second time round something clicked and have loved it since. Fontaines D.C. seem to be one of the only bans around at the moment where they are pure with no filter. People complain about the vocals and the accent but whats the point of Grian changing his vocals as that takes away the purity of Fontaines D.C. and whichThe first time listening round the album i wasn't really feeling it but second time round something clicked and have loved it since. Fontaines D.C. seem to be one of the only bans around at the moment where they are pure with no filter. People complain about the vocals and the accent but whats the point of Grian changing his vocals as that takes away the purity of Fontaines D.C. and which ultimately what makes them them.There isn't really a band around like them at the moment, people like to draw connection to idles but this album which consists of a more melancholy feel definitely burns that bridge.… Expand
  6. fathertingle
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    An incredible amount of heart is within this record. All of the lyrics are hard hitting, even more so in the climate of the world today.
  7. IngmarGod
    Aug 10, 2020
    8
    it seems like I'm listening to Joy Division, and Radiohead at the same time..
  8. mariakour
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    I really enjoyed the album. The band's influences are very clear. Unlike the first album, i didn't find the sound very original, but still I think they did a great job. Can't wait to hear more stuff from these guys.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Album of 2020
91
#91 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. The Quietus
    Aug 4, 2020
    80
    Though falling short of revelatory, a few rotations of A Hero’s Death brings some good news. Outgrowing Joy Division and overblown inverted paddywhackery, it’s a largely nuanced and, most blessedly of all, believable affair.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    80
    Many of Fontaines’ key traits remain: the ability of this young Dublin outfit to retread familiar post-punk ground but with a tensile urgency all their own; and the sardonic Irish tones of Grian Chatten, whose affected blankness speaks volumes.
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  3. No Ripcord
    Aug 3, 2020
    70
    A Hero's Death is not about growth: it's a band assessing where they stand as rising up-and-comers and having the impulse to express themselves differently. Maybe their sulking comes with a bit of affectation, but at least it's a convincing portrait of keeping true to themselves—soaking in everything that surrounds them.
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