Also Sprach Zarathustra cover

Also Sprach Zarathustra

Laibach · 2017

53 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A haunting blend of industrial rhythms, orchestral swells, and philosophical musings that echo in a digital landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Vor Sonnen-Untergang Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Ein Untergang — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of dark electronic elements with operatic vocals, creating an atmosphere that reflects the themes of decline and transformation.
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    Das Glück — With its driving beat and layered soundscapes, this track captures the tension between despair and hope, embodying the philosophical underpinnings of the album.
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    Vor Sonnen-Aufgang — The closing track encapsulates the journey through darkness towards illumination, merging orchestral arrangements with industrial textures for a powerful conclusion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of orchestral and industrial elements creates a unique soundscape, though its impact remains niche.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of orchestral arrangements layered with industrial beats, creating a dense sonic texture.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements that reflect philosophical themes, enhancing the narrative quality of the music.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady pacing with gradual build
  • existential themes for deep reflection
  • haunting vocals create immersive atmosphere
  • thought-provoking listening experience
  • enjoyed in a focused state

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer upbeat and fast-paced music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album reinterprets classical work, marking a departure from their established sound.
Career context
When Laibach released Also Sprach Zarathustra in 2017, they were already recognized as pioneers of avant-garde music, with a career spanning over three decades. This album followed their 2014 release, Spectre, and represented an evolution in their sound towards more experimental textures while maintaining their politically charged themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Throbbing Gristle· Skinny Puppy· Kraftwerk

Tracklist

  • 1 Vor Sonnen-Untergang Start here 2:08
  • 2 Ein Untergang 4:00
  • 3 Die Unschuld I 2:44
  • 4 Ein Verkündiger 4:38
  • 5 Von Gipfel zu Gipfel 5:10
  • 6 Das Glück 4:32
  • 7 Das Nachtlied I 3:23
  • 8 Das Nachtlied II 3:39
  • 9 Die Unschuld II 3:45
  • 10 Als Geist 5:45
  • 11 Vor Sonnen-Aufgang 5:58
  • 12 Von den drei Verwandlungen 7:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata