Brendon Small's Galaktikon II cover

Released 10 years ago

Brendon Small's Galaktikon II

Brendon Small · 2016

51 min · 11 tracks

An ambitious blend of progressive metal and orchestral elements, delivering a cosmic narrative with intricate musicianship and theatrical flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Some Days Are for Dying — Opening with powerful riffs and introspective lyrics, this track sets a dramatic tone for the album and showcases Small's ability to merge heavy music with narrative depth.
  • →
    Icarus Six Sixty Six — This track combines catchy hooks with intricate guitar work, reflecting on themes of ambition and downfall while maintaining an energetic pace that captures listener attention.
  • →
    Become the Storm — A centerpiece of the album, it features dynamic shifts in intensity and emotional weight, illustrating Small's skill in crafting both heavy metal anthems and reflective ballads.
  • →
    To Kill a God — Combining epic lyrical themes with soaring melodies, this song exemplifies Small's narrative approach to songwriting while pushing the boundaries of traditional metal structures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a unique blend of genres, making it distinct within its scene.

What we noticed

  • Each track incorporates orchestral arrangements alongside heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered sound that blends metal with cinematic elements.
  • Several songs employ recurring motifs and thematic material, enhancing the narrative cohesion across the album's storyline.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Become the Storm

    The bridge introduces a sudden shift in tempo, contrasting desperation with a triumphant surge of instrumentation.

    This structural change emphasizes the theme of overcoming adversity, making the resolution feel more impactful within the larger narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Some Days Are for Dying 4:14
  • 2 Icarus Six Sixty Six 3:34
  • 3 The Agenda 3:41
  • 4 The Ocean Galactic 7:43
  • 5 My Name Is Murder 3:18
  • 6 Become the Storm 4:52
  • 7 Nightmare 4:07
  • 8 Could This Be the End 5:31
  • 9 To Kill a God 4:19
  • 10 Exitus 4:15
  • 11 Rebuilding a Planet 5:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata