As the Angels Reach the Beauty
Graveworm · 1999
42 min · 9 tracks · gothic metal
Ethereal melodies intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a haunting atmosphere that embodies the darkness of gothic and symphonic metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Dreaming Beauty — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album, blending lush symphonic elements with aggressive riffs, showcasing Graveworm's duality between beauty and darkness.
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Portrait of a Deadly Nightshade — This song features intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in tempo, illustrating the band's technical prowess while weaving a narrative steeped in gothic imagery.
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Ceremonial Requiem — At just over three minutes, this track encapsulates the album's thematic depth through its somber orchestration and intense vocal delivery, making it a standout piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's orchestral elements and vocal contrasts create a distinctive gothic metal sound, though it may not deeply engage on repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of orchestral arrangements that complement the heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered sound throughout.
- Each song typically follows a structure that includes an atmospheric intro, followed by intense verses and melodic choruses, maintaining a gothic metal aesthetic.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- haunting melodies with dark undertones
- cathartic emotional release moments
- immersive listening in solitude
- dynamic shifts in intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and cheerful music
- seek straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- As the Angels Reach the Beauty is Graveworm's debut full-length album, following their 1997 EP. This release positioned them within the late '90s gothic metal scene, showcasing their blend of melodic black metal and symphonic elements that would define their sound in subsequent albums.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dimmu Borgir· Cradle of Filth· Dark Funeral
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Dreaming Beauty 7:18
- 2 Portrait of a Deadly Nightshade 4:16
- 3 Ceremonial Requiem 3:02
- 4 Nocturnal Hymns 7:35
- 5 Behind the Curtain of Darkness 4:52
- 6 Pandemonium 2:05
- 7 Prophecies in Blood 5:43
- 8 Into the Dust of Eden 5:21
- 9 Graveyard of Angels 2:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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