The 1998 album "Twisted by Design" solidified Strung Out's reputation for blending fast-paced punk with intricate guitar work and soaring vocals. This release showcased their maturation as songwriters and musicians within the melodic hardcore scene.
- "Twisted by Design" was released on May 5, 1998, by the prominent punk label Fat Wreck Chords. The album is recognized for its complex musicianship, featuring dual guitar solos and rapid-fire drumming characteristic of the band's style. It is considered a key record in the band's discography, bridging their earlier work with their later, more experimental sounds.
- The album followed their 1996 debut "Better Luck Next Time" and further developed the melodic yet aggressive sound that defined Strung Out. Fat Wreck Chords, known for its roster of influential punk bands, provided a fitting home for Strung Out's technical approach to the genre. The record's intricate arrangements and lyrical themes continued to resonate with fans of skate punk and melodic hardcore.
- "Twisted by Design" features the band's signature blend of punk energy and hard rock sensibilities, with notable tracks that highlight their instrumental prowess. The album's production captured the raw intensity of their live performances while allowing the nuanced songwriting to shine through. It remains a fan favorite and a benchmark for technical punk rock.
Strung Out is a punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, known for their technically proficient and melodic take on the genre. By 1998, they had established themselves as a significant force on the Fat Wreck Chords label, following up their debut with this, their second full-length album.
Tracklist
