Clairvoyant
The Contortionist · 2017
54 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
An expansive fusion of intricate melodies and atmospheric textures, merging progressive metal with ethereal vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Clairvoyant — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its haunting melodies and philosophical lyrics, serving as a centerpiece that reflects the overall themes of introspection and clarity.
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Godspeed — This track features a striking balance between serene passages and explosive instrumentation, showcasing the band's versatility and engaging listeners with its dynamic contrasts.
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Return to Earth — With its poignant lyrical content and atmospheric build-up, this song highlights The Contortionist's evolution towards a more melodic sound while maintaining their progressive roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, blending heavy and atmospheric elements effectively.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build a gradual intensity, culminating in the title track, which introduces a more atmospheric soundscape.
- Vocal melodies often intertwine with intricate guitar lines, creating a layered texture that shifts between heavy and ethereal moments.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for dynamic shifts in mood, contributing to the album's overall flow.
- 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
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
- patient unfolding of intricate melodies
- immersive soundscapes for contemplation
- emotional crescendos that linger
- atmospheric textures for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, energetic tracks
- want straightforward, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, Clairvoyant is The Contortionist's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed album Language (2014). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the progressive metal scene, evolving their sound towards a more melodic and atmospheric approach while maintaining their technical roots.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Clairvoyant
The moment shifts from questioning one's existence to an affirmative realization of clarity and understanding, marking a tonal pivot in the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Monochrome (Passive) 4:57
- 2 Godspeed 3:47
- 3 Reimagined 3:22
- 4 Clairvoyant 7:37
- 5 The Center 7:12
- 6 Absolve 5:20
- 7 Relapse 6:18
- 8 Return to Earth 6:16
- 9 Monochrome (Pensive) 9:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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