Death Magic
by HEALTH
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
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  1. atmosphericrex
    Aug 14, 2015
    6
    This albums conveys feelings analogous to what I'd imagine getting shot would feel like. But not getting shot in a tragic way, more of the getting shot in an action movie as the film goes in and out of slow-motion with a huge amount of quentin-tarantino-esque fake blood sort of way.
  2. CiphirSol
    Aug 7, 2015
    8
    The next step for HEALTH who dazzled me on the Max Payne 3 soundtrack and made me interested in their sound and wonder where they would go next. Although I see why it could be polarizing and not for everyone, I think this album is on point. I could only see them getting stronger from here.
  3. TheTransmuted
    Aug 13, 2015
    9
    This is pure bubble gum pop. If said bubble gum contained shards of glass. And was magical. Also preoccupied with the apocalypse.

    Many likes. Would recommend.
  4. normankant
    Sep 7, 2015
    9
    Health made their most accessible record, evolving from noise-industrial pop to electro-industrial pop: the influences are Depeche Mode, obviously, but also Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park (unbelievable but yes, LP) and Sleigh Bells. The production is deliberately messy and every single song pumps as a **** atomic bomb. Vocals sound ethereal and suspended in a diaphanous limbo, whisperingHealth made their most accessible record, evolving from noise-industrial pop to electro-industrial pop: the influences are Depeche Mode, obviously, but also Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park (unbelievable but yes, LP) and Sleigh Bells. The production is deliberately messy and every single song pumps as a **** atomic bomb. Vocals sound ethereal and suspended in a diaphanous limbo, whispering placid chants resembling the sound of a siren lost in the void of the bathypelagic zone. Maybe it's not the most innovative record ever, but it has ambition and the craving to experiment with electronics and song-production.… Expand
  5. asjklasjklas
    Aug 29, 2015
    8
    HEALTH have allowed accessibility into their signature sound and, whether their fans agree or not, it makes for some stadium-sized epic electronic rock. It’s their first official studio album since 2009’s Get Color and the band has admitted that a lot of trends have came—and went—since then in recent interviews. But one of their most notable claims is their newer appreciation for pop musicHEALTH have allowed accessibility into their signature sound and, whether their fans agree or not, it makes for some stadium-sized epic electronic rock. It’s their first official studio album since 2009’s Get Color and the band has admitted that a lot of trends have came—and went—since then in recent interviews. But one of their most notable claims is their newer appreciation for pop music such as Katy Perry and Rihanna, which you can actually almost tell influenced some part of DEATH MAGIC. At least if the contemporary charts consisted of Nine Inch Nail’s Pretty Hate Machine, maybe “STONEFIST”, which is the album’s best track, could’ve received the recognition “Roar” or “We Found Love” earned with the repetitious line “And we both know love’s not in our hearts” or better yet, “LIFE”, which is quite figuratively the heart of DEATH MAGIC, with such a sappy yet heartwrenching lyric like “Life is strange, we die and we don’t know why”. But much of the record still sounds closer to their core; noise and even some shoegazing continuously roar throughout. A lot of music listeners still keen of their biggest song to date, Get Color’s “Die Slow”, might let disappointment in and ruin the experience, but for the rest of us, we’re just reciting the words we plan on singing back next time we see them live.… Expand
  6. clem666
    May 31, 2021
    6
    Rather 5.5 out of 10. I have rarely listened to a project like this, where each piece seems to have its own place and texture, but still where in the end, the strong impression of having listened to a one-dimensional work grips me to the core. Jake Duzsik's voice becomes boring as his tone always remains in the same tone throughout the album. Especially for the singing parts, I very oftenRather 5.5 out of 10. I have rarely listened to a project like this, where each piece seems to have its own place and texture, but still where in the end, the strong impression of having listened to a one-dimensional work grips me to the core. Jake Duzsik's voice becomes boring as his tone always remains in the same tone throughout the album. Especially for the singing parts, I very often had the impression that a woman's voice was missing. This could have brought a bit more variety.

    Unfortunately it goes the same for the production. It is impossible to call it totally tasteless but I still felt like it was missing some things here and there. I agree with Paul Mardles of 'The Observer (UK), The Guardian' when he writes that 'when they let a little light in, they are almost interesting'. The instrumentals on 'Death Magic' lack grandeur and prestige, they really fall flat while the songs follow one after the other, with a similar atmosphere and mood. So this LP kind of polarize my opinions: I think what the band did is great but yeah, I feel like the just showcased only one of their special abilities. I definitely wanted more.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Dec 7, 2015
    80
    More than nihilism, the songs on Death Magic ultimately resolve that what’s important is loving and understanding each other because there’s nothing else. Going in that direction at the same time as their songs go in a much more immediately ingratiating one is a bold move for HEALTH, and here it pays off.
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  2. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 27, 2015
    33
    The end result is 40 minutes of music that drain the listener’s energy and will.
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  3. PopMatters
    Aug 12, 2015
    70
    For once, the band’s chemistry between melody and noise is the driving force of their sound, and for every beautiful moment that pops out of the record, there’s another disturbing or uncomfortable one to match it.
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