Black Market Enlightenment cover

Black Market Enlightenment

Antimatter · 2018

55 min · 9 tracks · gothic rock

Atmospheric layers of melancholic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting soundscape that lingers in the mind.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wish I Was Here — This track encapsulates the album's introspective themes with its reflective lyrics and haunting melodies, showcasing Antimatter's signature blend of emotion and atmosphere.
  • →
    This Is Not Utopia — The song contrasts dystopian imagery with poignant instrumentation, effectively highlighting the band's ability to weave narrative depth into their music.
  • →
    Liquid Light — With its expansive soundscapes and evocative lyrics, this track serves as a powerful culmination of the album's overarching themes of enlightenment and existential reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric layers and introspective lyrics create a cohesive and engaging experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features layered instrumentation with atmospheric synths and guitars that create a dense soundscape throughout.
  • Vocals are often delivered in a soft, haunting manner, with melodies that frequently resolve in unexpected ways.
  • Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, alternating between quiet introspection and more intense climaxes.
  • The lyrics across the album explore themes of existentialism and personal struggle, enhancing the overall melancholic tone.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective journey
  • haunting atmosphere for introspection
  • longing-filled soundscapes to ponder
  • ideal for evening solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2018, 'Black Market Enlightenment' marks Antimatter's fifth studio album, following their 2015 release 'The Judas Table'. At this point, the band had solidified their style blending gothic rock with progressive elements, continuing to evolve their sound while maintaining a dedicated fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
The Gathering· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What Do You Want Me to Do?

    The moment shifts from questioning external pressures to introspection, revealing vulnerability amidst confusion about personal desires.

    This pivot signifies a deeper exploration of identity, contrasting the earlier assertive tone found throughout much of the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Third Arm 4:57
  • 2 Wish I Was Here 6:40
  • 3 This Is Not Utopia 6:27
  • 4 Partners in Crime 5:50
  • 5 Sanctification 7:15
  • 6 Existential 7:19
  • 7 What Do You Want Me to Do? 2:32
  • 8 Between the Atoms 8:25
  • 9 Liquid Light 6:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata