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The Algorithm (Filter album)
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| The Algorithm | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 25, 2023 | |||
| Recorded | 2018–2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 43:39 | |||
| Label | Golden Robot | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Filter chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from The Algorithm | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [6] |
| New Noise | [2] |
| Sputnikmusic | 3.5/5[7] |
The Algorithm is the eighth studio album by American rock band Filter. It was released on August 25, 2023. Originally conceived in 2018 as a follow-up to the band's first album, Short Bus (1995), titled Rebus, the project changed course due to the collapse of the PledgeMusic crowd funding platform. Despite this, some material from the sessions still appears in the final release, while two other tracks were released in 2020 as singles. The Algorithm is the band's first album in seven years since Crazy Eyes (2016). The Algorithm album cover and package artwork was created by British artist Sam Shearon a.k.a: 'Mister Sam Shearon'
Background and recording
[edit]After releasing their seventh studio album, Crazy Eyes (2016), and touring in support of it in 2017, frontman Richard Patrick turned to making new music in 2018.[8] The start of the project was spurred by a particular event; Patrick was attending a Veruca Salt concert which also was being attended by original Filter member Brian Liesegang, who had left the band shortly after the release of their first album, the platinum selling Short Bus (1995), due to creative differences with Patrick.[9] Knowing both were there, Veruca Salt member Louise Post stopped mid-concert to call both out, stating that they need to "bury any bullshit, forget the crap, and get their shit together" in regards to making new music together.[9] The two took the message to heart, and decided to work on a new album together.[8] By October 2018, they had announced the concept; the two decided on calling the album Rebus—an allusion to the only Filter album the two had worked together on—and centered the album's conception around the idea of recording a follow-up to that album, but with more modern sounds and concepts.[8][9][10]
The band had planned to procure funding for the album creation process through crowd sourcing platform PledgeMusic.[11] However, the band had gone quiet on the progress of the project through the mid-part of 2019, until July 2019, when Patrick announced that the collaboration with Liesegang had been cancelled due to the bankruptcy of the PledgeMusic company[12][13] and "a variety of other reasons".[14] He announced that the scope of the album would be changing - Liesegang would not be working on the album moving forward, and that it had changed names to They've Got Us Right Where They Want Us, at Each Other's Throats.[15] Despite this, Patrick noted that he still hoped to include three of the songs that he had written with Liesegang on the album, titled "Murica", "Thoughts and Prayers", and "(Command-Z) High as a Muv Fucka".[14]
Patrick once again went silent on the project until the release of the single "Thoughts and Prayers" in June 2020, where he announced it had been retitled again, to Murica, and that it was scheduled for release by the end of 2020.[16] On October 29, the title track was released as a single along with its music video and album cover art. The video depicts Patrick as a far right wing Republican party supporter, causing tension among the band's fan base.[17]
In 2022, Patrick announced in interviews on his Facebook page that he had changed the name back to They've Got Us Right Where They Want Us, at Each Other's Throats, that the album was now scheduled for a 2023 release on Golden Robot Records, and the two singles released in 2020 would not be on the album.[18] In October 2022, the single "For the Beaten" was released, which Patrick now described as the album's first single.[3]
May 5, 2023 saw the release of the second single, "Face Down", along with a reveal of the album's title.[19]
A new single, "All The Good" was released to streaming platforms on July 11, 2025 to promote The Algorithm: Ultra Edition, a remastered version of The Algorithm with bonus material available August 8, 2025.
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Drowning" | Richard Patrick | 3:50 |
| 2. | "Up Against the Wall" |
| 4:55 |
| 3. | "For the Beaten" |
| 3:38 |
| 4. | "Obliteration" |
| 3:37 |
| 5. | "Say It Again" |
| 3:53 |
| 6. | "Face Down" | Patrick | 3:39 |
| 7. | "Summer Child" |
| 3:42 |
| 8. | "Threshing Floor" |
| 4:05 |
| 9. | "Be Careful What You Wish For" | Patrick | 4:08 |
| 10. | "Burn Out the Sun" |
| 3:54 |
| 11. | "Command Z" |
| 4:18 |
| Total length: | 43:39 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "All The Good" |
| 3:13 |
| 2. | "A Sort of Homecoming" | 5:41 | |
| 3. | "The Drowning" | Patrick | 3:50 |
| 4. | "Up Against the Wall" |
| 4:55 |
| 5. | "For the Beaten" |
| 3:38 |
| 6. | "Obliteration" |
| 3:37 |
| 7. | "Say It Again" |
| 3:53 |
| 8. | "Face Down" | Patrick | 3:39 |
| 9. | "Summer Child" |
| 3:42 |
| 10. | "Threshing Floor" |
| 4:05 |
| 11. | "Be Careful What You Wish For" | Patrick | 4:08 |
| 12. | "Burn Out the Sun" |
| 3:54 |
| 13. | "Command Z" |
| 4:18 |
| 14. | "Burn Out the Sun - Julian Gray Remix" |
| 3:43 |
| 15. | "Obliteration - Sean Beaven Remix" |
| 4:13 |
| 16. | "Obliteration - Charlie Clouser Remix" |
| 6:52 |
| 17. | "Obliteration - Richard Patrick Remix" |
| 5:09 |
| 18. | "Murica" |
| 3:58 |
| 19. | "Thoughts and Prayers" | Patrick | 4:29 |
| 20. | "Bad Guy" | 3:19 | |
| Total length: | 84:16 | ||
Personnel
[edit]Filter
- Richard Patrick – lead vocals, guitars, bass, programming
- Jonny Radtke – guitars, backing vocals
- Bobby Miller – bass, backing vocals
- Elias Mallin – drums
Additional personnel
- Zach Munowitz – guitars on "For the Beaten", "Up Against the Wall", and "Say It Again"
- Sam Tinnesz – guitars on "Obliteration" and "Burn Out the Sun"
- Mark Jackson – guitars on "Obliteration"
- Brian Liesegang – programming on "Command Z"
- Ray Luzier – drums on "Summer Child"
- Seth Mosley – production on "Threshing Floor"
- Brian Virtue – mixing, production
- Howie Weinberg – mastering
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[20] | 20 |
References
[edit]- ^ Taylor, Katherine Yeske (August 25, 2023). "Filter's Richard Patrick Rewires The Algorithm". Rock and Roll Globe. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ a b "ALBUM REVIEW: FILTER - THE ALGORITHM". New Noise. August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Filter Unveil New Song "For the Beaten": Stream". Blabbermouth.net. October 13, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ Erickson, Anne (May 5, 2023). "Filter Unleash New Song "Face Down" Ahead of Forthcoming Album: Stream". Consequence. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ Hadusek, Jon (July 11, 2023). "Filter Announce First Album in Seven Years, Share New Song "Obliteration": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ Yeung, Neil Z. "The Algorithm - Filer". AllMusic. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ "Review: Filter - The Algorithm". Sputnikmusic. September 7, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c "FILTER's RICHARD PATRICK Scraps Reunion Album With BRIAN LIESEGANG". Blabbermouth.net. July 18, 2019.
- ^ a b c Childers, Chad (October 3, 2018). "Original Filter Pair Making New Album". Loudwire.
- ^ "Filter's Richard Patrick Explains Why Texas Concert Was Canceled Over Anti-Trump Facebook Post". Billboard. March 8, 2019.
- ^ "FILTER's Reunion Album Called Off". Metal Injection. July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Filter reunion album canceled due to PledgeMusic bankruptcy - Music News - ABC News Radio". abcnewsradioonline.com.
- ^ "Classic Filter Lineup Reunion Album is Now a No-Go". MetalSucks. July 19, 2019.
- ^ a b "RICHARD PATRICK Reveals New FILTER Album Title". Blabbermouth.net. July 25, 2019.
- ^ Childers, Chad (July 25, 2019). "Exclusive: Filter Shelve Reunion Project, Richard Patrick Names Next Album". Loudwire.
- ^ "FILTER To Release New Song 'Thoughts And Prayers' This Thursday". Blabbermouth.net. June 16, 2020.
- ^ "FILTER Unveils Murica album cover". Blabbermouth.net. October 29, 2020.
- ^ "An Interview with Richard Patrick of Filter". August 12, 2022.
- ^ "FILTER's New Album Will Now Be Called 'The Algorithm', Says RICHARD PATRICK". Blabbermouth.net. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
The Algorithm (Filter album)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Development
Initial conception in 2018
In 2018, Filter frontman Richard Patrick collaborated with the band's founding member and guitarist Brian Liesegang to initiate development of a new studio album, envisioned as a direct successor to their 1995 debut Short Bus. The project drew inspiration from the raw, industrial rock sound of that earlier work, with an initial working title of ReBus—a deliberate nod to Short Bus—reflecting an intent to revisit and build upon the duo's original creative partnership that birthed Filter's breakthrough sound.[8] This conception marked Patrick's return to original Filter material after a period focused on subsequent lineup iterations and albums like The Trouble with Angels (2010), amid challenges including lineup instability and label shifts. The collaboration aimed to harness Liesegang's foundational role in the band's electronic-infused rock aesthetic, though specific songwriting details from this phase remain limited in public records, emphasizing instead the project's roots in recapturing early Filter essence.[8]Recording process and challenges
The recording of The Algorithm began during the COVID-19 pandemic, with frontman Richard Patrick working in isolation at his home studio while simultaneously composing film scores to supplement income.[9][10] Patrick handled much of the initial tracking himself using digital tools, including computer-synthesized guitars, Universal Audio presets, and amp simulators paired with classic gear like a Telecaster equipped with a Seymour Duncan Parallel Axis pickup.[9] A primary challenge was the severely constrained budget of approximately $20,000, a stark contrast to the $1 million allocated for Filter's 1999 album Title of Record, exacerbated by the music industry's shift toward piracy and reduced label support.[9] Patrick's self-recorded guitar parts proved sloppy, necessitating guitarist Jonny Radtke to re-track them in a single afternoon for refinement.[9] The album was later produced by Patrick alongside Johnny Lee Middleton at Middle Tennessee State University's recording studio over two weeks, emphasizing a "live off the floor" method to capture raw energy by recording drums and guitars simultaneously, before mixing by Brian Virtue.[11] Additional hurdles included balancing the band's industrial rock roots with modern production to avoid an overly polished sound, as well as thematic pivots—Patrick initially envisioned a more politically charged album titled Murica but moderated it for broader focus on an apocalyptic narrative.[11][10] Collaborations, such as co-writing tracks like "Up Against the Wall" with young producer Zach Munowitz discovered via Instagram, helped infuse fresh elements amid the solo-heavy process.[10] Patrick later reflected that these limitations forced resourceful creativity, enabling the album to rival earlier works despite fiscal obstacles.[9]Composition and production
Musical style and influences
The Algorithm continues Filter's established industrial rock framework, integrating aggressive guitar riffs, synthesized electronics, and distorted production techniques that emphasize mechanical rhythms and atmospheric tension.[6] The album's sound draws from the band's earlier organic, riff-driven aesthetic seen in Short Bus (1995), while incorporating heavier industrialized processing akin to The Amalgamut (2002), resulting in tracks that alternate between brooding introspection and explosive dynamics.[6] Specific elements include rumbling bass lines, metallic guitar tones, and percussive layers that evoke a sense of controlled chaos, as heard in the opening track "The Drowning."[12] Influences on the album reflect frontman Richard Patrick's background, particularly his time as a touring guitarist for Nine Inch Nails, manifesting in instrumental textures that prioritize dystopian soundscapes and layered sonic experimentation.[13] Progressive rock elements from Tool are evident in the intricate rhythm sections and polyrhythmic structures, adding technical depth to songs like those featuring complex drum patterns and shifting time signatures.[13] Broader eclectic touches incorporate hard rock aggression, alternative rock song structures, and subtle pop melodic hooks, broadening the industrial core without diluting its edge.[14] This fusion yields a contemporary edge with grunge-inspired rawness, distinguishing The Algorithm—released August 25, 2023—as a bridge between Filter's 1990s roots and modern production sensibilities.[13][15]Lyrical themes and songwriting
The lyrical content of The Algorithm centers on an apocalyptic critique of technology's dominance over human behavior and society, portrayed through the narrative of an astronaut returning to a ruined Earth rendered desolate by algorithms and social media isolation. Frontman Richard Patrick articulated deep apprehensions about contemporary existence, stating, "I’m concerned about the planet. I’m concerned about society," and highlighting how "algorithms are telling us who to be, and it’s scary, and it sucks."[16] This overarching theme frames the album as a cautionary exploration of digital manipulation's erosive effects on individuality and communal bonds.[16] Songwriting draws heavily from Patrick's personal vulnerabilities intertwined with broader existential dread, as seen in tracks like "Obliteration," which autobiographically addresses his past struggles with alcoholism through imagery of futile persistence amid decay.[16] The process prioritized raw, declarative expression modeled after figures like Bono and Joe Strummer, whom Patrick admired for their willingness to "say what they want to say" without compromise.[16] Composed primarily by Patrick, the lyrics eschew overt didacticism in favor of evocative ambiguity, inviting listeners to form independent conclusions rather than dictating interpretations.[16] The album's structure reflects a thematic arc, commencing with aggressive, society-directed invectives before transitioning to subdued introspection, blending outward alarm with inward reckoning to underscore technology's dual role as both architect of apocalypse and mirror of personal failing.[16] This approach aligns with descriptions of the record as Filter's most unvarnished statement on cultural entropy in decades, rooted in Patrick's intent to provoke reflection on algorithmic determinism.[17]Release and promotion
Singles and rollout
The rollout for The Algorithm began with the release of the lead single "For the Beaten" on October 14, 2022, marking Filter's first new original material in two years and serving as an initial teaser for the forthcoming album.[18][19] This track, issued via Golden Robot Records, featured a lyric video and highlighted the band's signature industrial rock sound, with frontman Richard Patrick noting its selection as the opener due to its energetic, groove-driven quality.[20] On May 5, 2023, Filter released the second single "Face Down," coinciding with the official reveal of the album's title and its August 25 release date.[21][22] The single was accompanied by a music video directed by Vicente Cordero and an announcement of the band's first global live-stream concert, "California Screamin'," scheduled for June 17, 2023, to further engage fans ahead of the full album launch.[23][24] The third and final pre-album single, "Obliteration," arrived on July 14, 2023, alongside the complete track listing and cover art, intensifying promotion just weeks before release.[25][26] This track included an animated music video produced by Skia Animation, emphasizing themes of destruction and renewal that aligned with the album's algorithmic motifs.[27] The staggered single releases, each with visual components, built momentum through digital platforms and social media, while Filter supported the rollout by joining the Freaks on Parade tour in fall 2023 as openers for headliners like Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, performing new material live to audiences.[28]Marketing strategies and label involvement
Golden Robot Records, an independent label specializing in hard rock and heavy metal releases, handled the distribution and initial promotional efforts for The Algorithm, marking Filter's first album with the imprint since signing in 2022. The label facilitated pre-order announcements on July 11, 2023, including links for streaming pre-saves and physical formats such as a six-panel digipak CD with a 20-page booklet and limited-edition vinyl pressings.[29][2][30] Marketing emphasized digital accessibility alongside traditional physical media, with the label promoting singles like "Obliteration" via social media videos and pre-save campaigns to build anticipation ahead of the August 25, 2023, street date. This approach aligned with industry shifts toward hybrid fan experiences, as evidenced by subsequent tie-ins such as the 2024 KiTalbum edition through KiTbetter, which bundled collectible items—including premium photo cards, liner notes, stickers, and key chains—with QR-coded access to lyrics, music videos, and augmented reality content for an immersive, tech-enhanced consumption model.[31][32][33] Label involvement extended to coordinating media outreach, including interviews with outlets like Loudwire and contests for autographed vinyl copies, which helped sustain visibility in rock circles despite limited mainstream radio play. Richard Patrick noted the label's enthusiasm for the project's conceptual depth, contrasting with past major-label experiences and enabling a focused push on core audiences through targeted digital and fan-direct channels.[34][35]Reception and analysis
Critical reviews
Critical reviews of Filter's eighth studio album, The Algorithm, released on August 25, 2023, were predominantly positive among publications specializing in industrial and alternative rock, emphasizing the album's successful fusion of the band's early organic songcraft with modern electronic and industrial elements. Aggregated critic scores reflect this approval, though coverage remained limited to niche outlets rather than broad mainstream sources.[36]| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Album of the Year | 77/100 |
| Sputnikmusic | 3.5/5 |
| New Noise Magazine | 4/5 |
Fan and industry perspectives
Fans expressed divided opinions on The Algorithm, with aggregate user ratings reflecting moderate enthusiasm tempered by critiques of production quality and stylistic consistency. On Rate Your Music, the album holds an average score of 2.7 out of 5 from 174 ratings, where reviewers praised its blend of early Filter's organic rock elements with industrial aggression but noted rough production and inconsistent vocal delivery as detracting from its potential as a career highlight.[15] Similarly, Album of the Year aggregates a user score of 57 out of 100 based on 33 ratings, indicating fans appreciated callbacks to albums like Short Bus and The Amalgamut but found it lacking the cohesion of the band's peak work.[36] In online communities such as Reddit's r/industrialmusic, fans debated the album's heaviness, with some expressing disappointment that only two or three tracks delivered the anticipated intensity despite promotional claims positioning it as Filter's heaviest since The Amalgamut, while others valued its anthemic, mechanical energy and Richard Patrick's enduring vocal power.[40] Longtime supporters highlighted the album's role in sustaining Filter's dedicated global fanbase, built since Short Bus in 1995, viewing it as a resilient effort amid the band's turbulent history.[14] Industry figures, including Patrick himself, conveyed optimism about the album's execution and thematic depth. Patrick described The Algorithm as "perfect" and a "beautiful record" in interviews, emphasizing its seven-year gestation and return to uncompromised songwriting free from major-label constraints.[16] Niche publications in the industrial and metal sectors echoed this, with ReGen Magazine lauding its balance of fury, finesse, and forward-looking variety that honors Filter's roots without stagnation.[37] However, some outlets like SonicAbuse critiqued its vinyl presentation for lacking the seamless integration of Filter's strongest releases, scoring it 7/10 and attributing inconsistencies to production choices rather than compositional flaws.[41]Commercial performance
Chart positions and sales data
The Algorithm did not enter major album charts such as the Billboard 200 in the United States or the Official UK Albums Chart.[42] No peak positions or weeks on chart were recorded for the album on these rankings, reflecting its modest commercial reception upon release in August 2023. Sales figures, including first-week units or total equivalent album units, have not been reported by industry sources like Nielsen SoundScan or the band's label, Golden Robot Records. The absence of disclosed data aligns with Filter's status as an independent rock act outside mainstream promotion channels, where detailed metrics are often unavailable for lower-tier releases.Streaming and long-term metrics
As of October 2025, the album The Algorithm has achieved modest streaming traction primarily on Spotify, where its tracks have collectively accumulated low millions of plays since its release on August 25, 2023.[43] The platform's data indicates limited viral appeal compared to Filter's earlier hits, reflecting sustained but niche interest from the band's core rock audience rather than broad algorithmic promotion.[44] Key tracks' streaming figures underscore this pattern:| Track | Spotify Streams (as of October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Obliteration | 1,074,975 |
| For the Beaten | 908,174 |
| Face Down | 854,683 |
| The Drowning (Ultra Edition) | 299,249 |
| The City of Blinding Riots | 292,560 |
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Drowning" | 3:50 |
| 2. | "Up Against the Wall" | 4:55 |
| 3. | "For the Beaten" | 3:38 |
| 4. | "Obliteration" | 3:37 |
| 5. | "Say It Again" | 3:53 |
| 6. | "Face Down" | 3:39 |
| 7. | "Summer Child" | 3:42 |
| 8. | "Threshing Floor" | 4:05 |
| 9. | "Be Careful What You Wish For" | 4:08 |
| 10. | "Burn Out the Sun" | 3:54 |
| 11. | "Command Z" | 4:18 |