What makes Ashes by Illenium notable?

'Ashes' gained significant traction, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart. The album's blend of melodic elements and emotional narratives resonated with fans, establishing Illenium as a leading figure in the EDM community and influencing subsequent artists in the genre. Released on February 15, 2016, 'Ashes' was Illenium's debut studio album following a series of successful EPs. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his presence in the electronic dance music scene, transitioning from an emerging artist to a recognized name within future bass circles.

Ashes works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Ashes?

Ashes has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Ashes

Illenium · 2016

48 min · 12 tracks · electronic dance music

Emotional melodies intertwine with heavy beats and lush synths, crafting an immersive journey through heartache and redemption.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Without You — This track features poignant lyrics about longing and loss, paired with a soaring drop that encapsulates Illenium's signature sound. Its emotional weight helped it become one of the most streamed tracks from the album.
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Fortress — With its ethereal build-up and powerful chorus, 'Fortress' showcases Illenium's ability to blend introspective themes with explosive electronic production. This track exemplifies his unique approach to storytelling through music.
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Afterlife — 'Afterlife' stands out for its haunting vocals and layered instrumentation, creating a soundscape that feels both vast and intimate. The closing track leaves listeners with a sense of hope amid melancholy.

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

The album effectively blends emotional melodies and heavy beats, establishing Illenium's style in EDM.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering emotional melodies over heavy beats, while the second half shifts to more intense drops.
Several tracks incorporate vocal samples, but they are often treated as instrumental elements rather than traditional lead vocals.
The album closes with a track that combines a slow build-up with a climactic drop, creating a sense of resolution.

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

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 15, 2016, 'Ashes' was Illenium's debut studio album following a series of successful EPs. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his presence in the electronic dance music scene, transitioning from an emerging artist to a recognized name within future bass circles.
Stylistic neighbors: Said the Sky· Seven Lions· Trivecta