Behind The Sun
Motorpsycho · 2014
60 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling journey through progressive rock that weaves together intricate melodies and expansive soundscapes with lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Cloudwalker (A Darker Blue) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its layered instrumentation and haunting vocals, establishing a theme of introspection that permeates the record.
-
→
Hell, Part 4–6: Traitor / The Tapestry / Swiss Cheese Mountain — This epic composition showcases the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and complex arrangements, culminating in a crescendo that encapsulates their adventurous spirit.
-
→
The Magic & the Wonder (A Love Theme) — With its delicate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this track offers a moment of vulnerability amidst the more intense segments of the album, highlighting the band's emotional range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements, making it a rewarding listen for fans of progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with four of the nine exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate developments and shifts in musical themes.
- Several tracks incorporate multiple sections that transition seamlessly from heavy instrumentation to softer, more melodic passages.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- sprawling soundscapes for exploration
- introspective moments of reflection
- patient builds with rich detail
- immersive listening for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, immediate gratification
- prefer standalone single tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases ambitious compositions and rich instrumentation, marking a high point in their career.
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Behind The Sun marks Motorpsycho's twelfth studio album, coming after the critically acclaimed album Still Life With Eggplant. At this stage in their career, the band continued to explore complex musical themes while maintaining their reputation for genre-defying sound, solidifying their status within the Norwegian rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Mars Volta· Porcupine Tree· Opeth
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cloudwalker (A Darker Blue) 6:05
- 2 Ghost 6:37
- 3 On a Plate 4:08
- 4 The Promise 4:39
- 5 Kvæstor (incl. Where Greyhounds Dare) 7:08
- 6 Hell, Part 4–6: Traitor / The Tapestry / Swiss Cheese Mountain 12:23
- 7 Entropy 7:22
- 8 The Magic & the Wonder (A Love Theme) 4:40
- 9 Hell, Part 7: Victim of Rock 7:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.