Is Akuma no Uta a good place to start with Boris?

Yes, Akuma no Uta is recommended as a starting point for new Boris listeners. A haunting blend of drone metal and noise rock, enveloping listeners in a dense atmosphere of dissonance and introspection. Released in 2003, Akuma no Uta marked Boris's fifth studio album and showcased their evolution towards a more experimental sound. This album followed their critically acclaimed release, Heavy Rocks, and further established their reputation within the underground music scene, particularly in Japan.

Who is Akuma no Uta for?

Akuma no Uta works well if you're into wave-like dynamics that captivate, haunting melodies for deep reflection and shifting peaks and valleys.

How many songs are on Akuma no Uta?

Akuma no Uta has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Akuma no Uta

Boris · 2003

39 min · 6 tracks · noise rock

A haunting blend of drone metal and noise rock, enveloping listeners in a dense atmosphere of dissonance and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ibitsu Start here — This track encapsulates Boris's signature blend of heaviness and melody, featuring haunting vocals that contrast sharply with aggressive instrumentation.
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Naki Kyoku — At over twelve minutes long, this piece exemplifies the band's atmospheric depth, gradually building tension through layered guitar textures and relentless rhythms.
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Akuma no Uta — The title track distills the album's essence into a concise format, merging stark melodies with a sense of foreboding that leaves a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's dense atmosphere and experimental sound create a unique listening experience that rewards repeat plays.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief ambient track that sets a haunting tone before transitioning into heavier, distorted guitar riffs.
Each of the following tracks features lengthy instrumental sections that build tension through gradual layering of sound.
The final track concludes with an extended drone that fades out slowly, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

wave-like dynamics that captivate
haunting melodies for deep reflection
shifting peaks and valleys
immersive experience with patience

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer concise, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a deliberate departure towards a more innovative sound.
Themes: Japanese underground scene· dense atmospheric heaviness
Career context: Released in 2003, Akuma no Uta marked Boris's fifth studio album and showcased their evolution towards a more experimental sound. This album followed their critically acclaimed release, Heavy Rocks, and further established their reputation within the underground music scene, particularly in Japan.
Stylistic neighbors: EARTH· Sleep· Pelican