What makes As the World by Echolyn notable?

The album is notable for its critical acclaim, often cited as a high point for 90s progressive rock. It received praise for its lyrical depth and musicianship, helping to establish Echolyn as a significant player in the genre during an era dominated by mainstream grunge and alternative rock. As the World is Echolyn's third studio album, released at a time when the band was solidifying their unique sound in the progressive rock genre. Following their previous album, Suffocating the Bloom, which gained them some recognition, this release showcased their musical growth and ambition, as they experimented with complex arrangements and introspective lyrics.

How many songs are on As the World?

As the World has 16 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

As the World

Echolyn · 1995

69 min · 16 tracks · progressive rock

Intricate melodies and shifting time signatures weave together deeply personal narratives within a rich tapestry of progressive rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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As the World — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of existential exploration and societal reflection through dynamic shifts in melody and structure.
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Uncle — This track showcases Echolyn's ability to blend intricate musicality with poignant storytelling, reflecting familial ties and emotional complexity.
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How Long I Have Waited — A standout piece that combines heartfelt lyrics with soaring instrumentation, symbolizing longing and anticipation while maintaining a strong melodic focus.
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Letters: My Dear Wormwood — This song features a unique narrative approach, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's 'The Screwtape Letters' to explore themes of morality and temptation.
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Never the Same — Closing the album with an emotional weight, this track encapsulates the journey of transformation and self-discovery that permeates throughout As the World.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Echolyn's intricate melodies and thematic coherence mark this as a strong entry in progressive rock.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate intricate vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumental arrangements, enhancing the lyrical narratives.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 All Ways the Same 0:35
2 As the World 4:51
3 Uncle 6:54
4 How Long I Have Waited 4:44
5 Best Regards 4:11
6 The Cheese Stands Alone 4:48
7 Letters: Prose 1:46
8 Letters: A Short Essay 4:35
9 Letters: My Dear Wormwood 3:36
10 Letters: Entry 11.19.93 5:33
11 Letters: One for the Show 4:32
12 The Wiblet 0:47
13 Audio Verité 4:28
14 Settled Land 5:42
15 A Habit Worth Forming 4:30
16 Never the Same 7:55

What to play next

Listen next

When the Sweet Turns Sour

1996

Go back to

Suffocating the Bloom

1992

Full Echolyn discography Artists like Echolyn

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata