Chalice Hymnal
Grails · 2017
50 min · 11 tracks · instrumental rock
An expansive blend of atmospheric instrumentals and intricate melodies that evokes a sense of journey and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chalice Hymnal — The title track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, encapsulating Grails' unique ability to create immersive soundscapes.
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New Prague — With its intricate layering and rhythmic complexity, this track showcases the band's craftsmanship and ability to evoke vivid imagery through purely instrumental means.
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After the Funeral — As the longest track on the album, it serves as a culmination of themes explored throughout, gradually building tension before reaching an emotional climax that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate compositions and cohesive sound create an immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long, evolving tracks that often build from minimalistic motifs into rich, layered soundscapes.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
- journey through shifting moods
- patient exploration of layered melodies
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2017, Chalice Hymnal is Grails' sixth studio album and marks a continued evolution in their sound following their 2014 release, Deep Politics. At this point, the band had established themselves as a prominent force within the instrumental rock genre, exploring more ambitious arrangements and deeper emotional landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- EARTH· Explosions in the Sky· Mono
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chalice Hymnal 4:22
- 2 Pelham 2:48
- 3 Empty Chamber 2:32
- 4 New Prague 4:50
- 5 Deeper Politics 3:48
- 6 Tough Guy 3:56
- 7 Rebecca 3:47
- 8 Deep Snow II 5:47
- 9 The Moth & The Flame 4:07
- 10 Thorns II 3:59
- 11 After the Funeral 10:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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