1755 cover

1755

Moonspell · 2017

51 min · 11 tracks · gothic metal

A haunting blend of gothic metal and orchestral elements, evoking the tragic history of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Em nome do medo Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric introduction and poignant lyrics reflecting fear amidst chaos. It effectively introduces the thematic focus on disaster while showcasing Moonspell's signature sound.
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    1755 — The title track encapsulates the album's concept, blending heavy instrumentation with melodic passages that mirror the turmoil of the earthquake. Its powerful narrative draws listeners into the historical context.
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    Lanterna dos afogados — This closing track features an emotional depth, combining lush orchestration with haunting vocals that evoke a sense of loss and reflection. It serves as a poignant conclusion to the album's journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of gothic metal and orchestral elements creates a distinct sound while exploring a cohesive historical theme.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a choral introduction that sets a somber tone, followed by heavy guitar riffs that blend seamlessly with orchestral arrangements.
  • Tracks feature dynamic shifts between aggressive metal sections and melodic interludes, often incorporating symphonic elements to enhance the emotional weight.
  • Several tracks utilize spoken word segments in Portuguese, adding a narrative layer that ties into the historical theme of the Lisbon earthquake.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting emotional depth
  • long immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus
  • contemplative reflective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Ambitious concept and rich production mark a high point in their artistic evolution.
Themes
Lisbon earthquake· chaotic aftermath· historical tragedy
Career context
In 2017, Moonspell was celebrating over two decades of musical evolution since their formation in 1992. '1755' is their eleventh studio album and marks a thematic shift, focusing on a historical event that deeply impacted their home country. This release showcases their continued artistic growth and relevance in the gothic metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Paradise Lost· Type O Negative· My Dying Bride

Tracklist

  • 1 Em nome do medo Start here 5:32
  • 2 1755 5:12
  • 3 In tremor Dei 4:26
  • 4 Desastre 3:22
  • 5 Abanão 4:08
  • 6 Evento 4:43
  • 7 1 de novembro 3:53
  • 8 Ruínas 4:45
  • 9 Todos os santos 5:10
  • 10 Lanterna dos afogados 6:30
  • 11 Desastre (Spanish version) 3:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata