A Dead Sinking Story
Envy · 2003
62 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with explosive post-hardcore dynamics, crafting a haunting soundscape that reflects deep emotional turmoil.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Chain Wandering Deeply — This opening track establishes the album's thematic depth with its slow build-up that morphs into a cathartic explosion of sound, setting the emotional tone for the entire record.
-
→
Distress of Ignorance — The juxtaposition of melodic verses and intense choruses here illustrates Envy's signature style, blending introspective lyrics with powerful instrumentation that encapsulates their sonic identity.
-
→
A Will Remains in the Ashes — Closing the album with an epic 12-minute track, it encapsulates themes of loss and resilience, showcasing the band's ability to weave intricate narratives through their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's dynamic shifts and emotional depth create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lengthy track that gradually builds intensity, layering ethereal melodies over heavy instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, moving from quiet, reflective passages to explosive climaxes within the same song.
- The final track concludes with an extended ambient outro that contrasts sharply with the preceding intensity, creating a sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 melodies with emotional depth
- long reflective listening sessions
- intense crescendos and quiet moments
- immersive soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, introspective pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Dead Sinking Story' was released in 2003, Envy had established themselves as a significant force in the Japanese post-hardcore scene following their earlier works such as 'All the Footprints...' in 1999. This album marked their transition to a more expansive sound, incorporating lush instrumentation and complex song structures that would influence many subsequent artists within and beyond the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mono· Explosions in the Sky· The Ocean
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Reasons and Oblivion
In this track, a shift occurs where the narrative voice confronts despair directly, revealing layers of vulnerability amidst overwhelming emotions.
This confrontation marks a pivotal moment in the songwriting, moving from abstraction to direct engagement with pain, enhancing the emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chain Wandering Deeply 8:28
- 2 Distress of Ignorance 5:45
- 3 Evidence 3:16
- 4 Color of Fetters 7:19
- 5 Unrepairable Gentleness 8:10
- 6 Go Mad and Mark 6:35
- 7 A Conviction That Speeds 5:27
- 8 Reasons and Oblivion 5:05
- 9 A Will Remains in the Ashes 12:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.