What makes Above the Earth, Below the Sky by If These Trees Could Talk notable?

The album received acclaim for its ambitious compositions and emotive atmospheres, contributing to the growth of the post-metal genre. It has been recognized in various music circles for its ability to convey deep narratives without lyrics, influencing numerous instrumental bands that followed. When 'Above the Earth, Below the Sky' was released in January 2009, If These Trees Could Talk were still in their early stages, following their self-titled debut album from 2006. This album marked a significant step in their evolution, showcasing a more refined sound that blended post-rock and metal elements, solidifying their presence within the instrumental music scene.

How many songs are on Above the Earth, Below the Sky?

Above the Earth, Below the Sky has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Above the Earth, Below the Sky

If These Trees Could Talk · 2009

44 min · 10 tracks · post-metal

Atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with heavy, intricate guitar work to evoke a sense of expansive melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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From Roots to Needles — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive build-up, combining delicate melodies with crushing heaviness that defines the band's style.
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The Flames of Herostratus — This track exemplifies the band's dynamic range, seamlessly transitioning between serene passages and powerful crescendos while exploring themes of destruction and rebirth.
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Deus Ex Machina — Closing the album, this brief yet impactful piece encapsulates the emotional intensity found throughout, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of contemplation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and atmospheric depth contribute to its strong standing in post-metal.

What we noticed

The album features long tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric shifts.
Guitar melodies often intertwine with layered ambient textures, creating a dense soundscape that evolves over time.
The final track includes a significant drop in intensity, transitioning from heavy instrumentation to a more subdued conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 From Roots to Needles 6:42
2 What’s in the Ground Belongs to You 4:14
3 Terra Incognita 0:57
4 Above the Earth 2:19
5 Below the Sky 7:20
6 The Sun Is in the North 5:45
7 Thirty-Six Silos 4:39
8 The Flames of Herostratus 5:34
9 Rebuilding the Temple of Artemis 5:05
10 Deus Ex Machina 2:23

What to play next

Listen next

Red Forest

2012

Go back to

If These Trees Could Talk

2006

Full If These Trees Could Talk discography Artists like If These Trees Could Talk

post-metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata