A Strange Thing to Say
Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows · 2010
33 min · 6 tracks · gothic rock
Gothic orchestrations intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a surreal landscape steeped in darkness and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
A Strange Thing to Say — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, combining poetic lyrics with a rich orchestral backdrop that sets the tone for the entire record.
-
→
Polishing Silver — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting on themes of loss and longing, making it a poignant moment on the album.
-
→
The Urine Song — With its stark contrast to other tracks, this song employs dark humor and provocative imagery, challenging listeners’ perceptions and illustrating the band's eclectic style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong compositions and unique soundscapes, solidifying its place in the gothic rock genre.
What we noticed
- The opening track features layered orchestral arrangements that gradually build tension before introducing the vocals.
- Each song employs a distinct tempo, with the second track shifting to a more upbeat rhythm compared to the somber opener.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that fades out, creating a lingering sense of unease.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dreamlike atmosphere for introspection
- haunting melodies for late nights
- eerie vocals evoke deep emotions
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, energetic vibes
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Strange Thing to Say' was released in 2010, Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows had established themselves as pioneers in the dark wave and neofolk scenes. This album followed their previous works, showcasing an evolution in both thematic complexity and musical arrangements while maintaining their signature ethereal sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dead Can Dance· The Moon and the Nightspirit· Lustmord
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Polishing Silver
The verses shift from nostalgia to haunting reflection, illustrating a struggle with memory and loss through vivid imagery.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Strange Thing to Say 9:45
- 2 Polishing Silver 5:13
- 3 The Urine Song 4:20
- 4 Stains of You 4:08
- 5 20 000 Leagues under the Sea 6:41
- 6 Oh, Chimney-Sweep 3:38
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.