What makes Artificial Paradise by Sylvan notable?

The album received positive critical reception, noted for its ambitious songwriting and conceptual depth, helping to establish Sylvan as a significant act within the progressive rock genre. It has influenced subsequent bands in the genre by blending traditional elements with modern themes and production techniques. Released in 2002, Artificial Paradise is Sylvan's third studio album, following their breakthrough record Posthumous Silence from 2000. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the progressive rock scene, experimenting with longer compositions and more complex narratives.

How many songs are on Artificial Paradise?

Artificial Paradise has 9 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Artificial Paradise

Sylvan · 2002

69 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling blend of lush melodies and intricate arrangements that evoke both melancholy and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deep Inside — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive soundscapes and deep lyrical themes, showcasing the band's signature style.
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Artificial Paradise — The title track spans over 20 minutes, encapsulating the album's concept through shifting musical motifs and profound lyrical exploration.
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I Still Believe — This shorter track provides a poignant contrast to the longer pieces, capturing vulnerability and hope through its heartfelt delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious songwriting with complex arrangements, though it remains within established progressive rock norms.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex musical developments and thematic exploration.

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

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 Deep Inside 9:14
2 That’s Why It Hurts 7:08
3 Strange Emotion 4:19
4 Human Apologies 8:29
5 Timeless Traces 8:12
6 I Still Believe 3:06
7 Around the World 6:25
8 Souvenirs 2:09
9 Artificial Paradise 20:16

What to play next

Listen next

X-rayed

2004

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progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata