What makes Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress by Godspeed You! Black Emperor notable?

This album was met with critical acclaim, debuting at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and receiving praise for its expansive sound and emotional depth. It reinforced Godspeed You! Black Emperor's influence within the post-rock genre, resonating with both new listeners and long-time fans alike. Released in 2015, Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress is Godspeed You! Black Emperor's first album in over a decade since their hiatus after 2002's Yanqui U.X.O. The album marks a return to form for the band, showcasing their signature blend of orchestral instrumentation and political themes at a time when they had reformed their lineup and regained artistic momentum.

How many songs are on Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress?

Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress has 4 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress

Godspeed You! Black Emperor · 2015

40 min · 4 tracks · post-rock

Atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive journey through desolation and beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Peasantry or ‘Light! Inside of Light!’ — The opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its gradual build-up and rich textures, encapsulating the band's ability to create tension and release through instrumental storytelling.
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Lambs’ Breath — This track showcases the band's dynamic range, oscillating between serene passages and intense crescendos that exemplify their mastery of contrast and emotional evocation.
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Asunder, Sweet — The title track delivers a poignant meditation on loss and longing, combining intricate arrangements with a haunting melody that lingers in the listener's mind long after it ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and cohesive structure highlight its strong compositional voice within the post-rock genre.

What we noticed

The album consists of four tracks, each over ten minutes long, allowing for extended development of musical themes.
The first track introduces a gradual build-up of layers, starting with soft strings and evolving into a dense wall of sound.
The final track features a slow descent in tempo and dynamics, creating a sense of closure as it fades out.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Peasantry or ‘Light! Inside of Light!’ 10:28
2 Lambs’ Breath 9:52
3 Asunder, Sweet 6:13
4 Piss Crowns Are Trebled 13:50

What to play next

Listen next

Luciferian Towers

2017

Go back to

'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!

2012

Full Godspeed You! Black Emperor discography Artists like Godspeed You! Black Emperor

post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata