What makes Cenotes by Giant Squid notable?

Cenotes received critical acclaim for its ambitious composition and conceptual depth, drawing comparisons to other progressive metal acts. The EP not only showcased the band’s growing artistry but also contributed to the increasing visibility of the post-metal genre during its release period. Released in 2011, Cenotes marked Giant Squid's third studio EP, following their 2007 album The Ichthyologist. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their distinctive blend of post-metal and doom elements while exploring thematic concepts rooted in marine life and mythology.

How many songs are on Cenotes?

Cenotes has 5 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 15 years ago this October

Cenotes

Giant Squid · 2011

35 min · 5 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling soundscape blending haunting melodies with crushing heaviness, evoking the depths of an underwater world.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tongue Stones (Megaptera megachasmacarcharias) — The opening track sets a profound tone, melding atmospheric instrumentation with powerful vocals that encapsulate the oceanic themes explored throughout the EP.
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Mating Scars (Isurus metridium) — This track features dynamic shifts between crushing riffs and ethereal sections, illustrating the band's ability to weave intricate narratives through music.
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Cenotes (Troglocambarus maclanei) — The title track culminates the journey with a haunting blend of melody and intensity, reflecting the EP's overarching exploration of aquatic life and environmental themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Cenotes showcases ambitious compositions and a strong thematic focus, blending heaviness with melody effectively.

What we noticed

The EP features a dynamic range, with tracks alternating between serene, melodic passages and intense, heavy sections that create a sense of ebb and flow.
Each track is built around a central theme, often using layered instrumentation to evoke an underwater atmosphere.
The final track extends over eight minutes, incorporating gradual tempo changes and evolving motifs that contribute to its immersive quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Tongue Stones (Megaptera megachasmacarcharias) 9:16
2 Mating Scars (Isurus metridium) 8:04
3 Snakehead (Channidae erectus) 7:48
4 Figura Serpentinata (Pycnopodia sapien) 3:52
5 Cenotes (Troglocambarus maclanei) 6:07

What to play next

Listen next

Minoans

2014

Go back to

The Ichthyologist

2009

Full Giant Squid discography Artists like Giant Squid

doom metal post-metal progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata