An Ocean Between Us
As I Lay Dying · 2007
43 min · 12 tracks · metalcore
Intense riffs and soaring melodies collide in a powerful exploration of personal struggle and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nothing Left — A standout track that combines aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics about loss and despair, showcasing the band's signature sound.
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The Sound of Truth — This track exemplifies the band's lyrical focus on personal integrity and resilience amidst chaos, complete with intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts.
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I Never Wanted — Featuring a haunting melody against heavy instrumentation, this song addresses themes of regret and self-reflection, making it a compelling emotional center of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intense riffs with melodic elements, showcasing strong musicianship and effective dynamics.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate melodic choruses that contrast with the harsh verses, creating dynamic shifts throughout the record.
- The final track features an extended instrumental outro, allowing the album to close on a reflective note after the intensity of previous songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- wave-like pacing with intensity
- dynamic progression with resolution
- emotional catharsis through instrumentation
- in-order listening for full impact
- passionate vocals driving motivation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer calm, mellow sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- An Ocean Between Us is As I Lay Dying's fifth studio album, marking a significant moment in their career as they transitioned from underground success to mainstream recognition. Released on January 1, 2007, it followed the band's breakthrough album, Shadows Are Security, which had established them as key players in the metalcore scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Killswitch Engage· August Burns Red· Parkway Drive
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Separation 1:15
- 2 Nothing Left 3:43
- 3 An Ocean Between Us 4:13
- 4 Within Destruction 3:54
- 5 Forsaken 5:18
- 6 Comfort Betrays 2:50
- 7 I Never Wanted 4:44
- 8 Bury Us All 2:23
- 9 The Sound of Truth 4:20
- 10 Departed 1:40
- 11 Wrath Upon Ourselves 4:01
- 12 This Is Who We Are 4:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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