Altitude cover

Altitude

Autumn · 2009

59 min · 13 tracks · gothic metal

Ethereal melodies intertwine with heavy riffs, creating a haunting soundscape that embodies the essence of gothic metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paradise Nox — This opening track sets the mood with its lush instrumentation and captivating vocal harmonies, establishing the album's atmospheric tone.
  • →
    Skydancer — With its driving rhythm and soaring melodies, Skydancer encapsulates the band's blend of heaviness and ethereality, making it a standout moment on the record.
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    The Heart Demands — This track features poignant lyrics paired with dynamic shifts in intensity, showcasing the band's ability to evoke deep emotions through both music and narrative.
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    Altitude — The title track embodies the overarching themes of ascension and introspection, culminating in an expansive sound that reflects the album's core identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Altitude showcases intricate compositions and atmospheric production typical of gothic metal.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and choirs, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the sound.
  • The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, creating a sense of resolution and reflection.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting soundscapes that linger
  • emotional crescendos with depth
  • thoughtful reflections on existence
  • immersive journeys through introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • seek lighthearted, carefree vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2009, Altitude is Autumn's third studio album, following their acclaimed record My New Time. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the gothic metal scene, expanding their sound and exploring darker thematic elements.
Stylistic neighbors
The Gathering· My Dying Bride· Lacuna Coil

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Paradise Nox 5:30
  • 2 Liquid Under Film Noir 3:59
  • 3 Skydancer 3:41
  • 4 Synchro-Minds 4:19
  • 5 The Heart Demands 4:58
  • 6 A Minor Dance 5:24
  • 7 Cascade (For a Day) 3:54
  • 8 Horizon Line 4:44
  • 9 Sulphur Rodents 3:35
  • 10 Answers Never Questioned 4:01
  • 11 Altitude 6:11
  • 12 One Word Reminder 4:03
  • 13 Closure 5:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata