Released 30 years ago
Born of the Flickering
Old Man's Child · 1996
51 min · 10 tracks · black metal
A symphonic blend of dark melodies and aggressive riffs, evoking a haunting atmosphere steeped in mythical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Demons of the Thorncastle — As the opening track, it sets a dramatic tone with its orchestral elements intertwining with ferocious guitar work, establishing the album's thematic direction.
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King of the Dark Ages — This track showcases the band's ability to blend melody and aggression seamlessly, highlighting their sophisticated songwriting and atmospheric depth.
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Christian Death — Featuring intricate arrangements and powerful dynamics, this song exemplifies the lyrical exploration of dark themes central to the album’s narrative.
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...Leads to Utopia / The Old Man's Dream — The lengthy closing track merges various musical styles and motifs, encapsulating the album's grand vision and emotional journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate compositions with thematic depth, solidifying its place in the black metal genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic passages to create dynamic contrasts.
- The lyrics often reference mythical themes, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the music and contributing to its dark narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- haunting atmosphere with mythical themes
- intense emotional crescendos throughout
- immersive journey through dark landscapes
- dynamic shifts in pacing and
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted, upbeat tunes
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Born of the Flickering is Old Man's Child's second studio album, released in 1996 after their debut, The Pagan Prosperity. At this point, the band was solidifying its presence in the black metal scene, following a successful first release that established their signature blend of melodic and symphonic elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dimmu Borgir· Emperor· Cradle of Filth
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Demons of the Thorncastle 4:47
- 2 Swallowed by a Buried One 4:51
- 3 Born of the Flickering 5:05
- 4 King of the Dark Ages 5:27
- 5 Wounds From the Night of Magic 3:28
- 6 On Through the Desert Storm 4:20
- 7 Christian Death 4:55
- 8 Funeral, Swords and Souls 4:56
- 9 The Last Chapter 4:42
- 10 ...Leads to Utopia / The Old Man's Dream 8:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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