Clear
Periphery · 2014
29 min · 7 tracks · progressive metal
A sprawling exploration of progressive metal infused with intricate melodies and expansive soundscapes that defy traditional genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Summer Jam — This track stands out for its infectious groove and catchy chorus, blending technical proficiency with an accessible sound that showcases the band's evolution.
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Zero — With its dynamic shifts and emotional depth, Zero encapsulates the essence of Clear, reflecting themes of self-reflection and internal struggle through complex musical layers.
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The Parade of Ashes — This track exemplifies the EP's atmospheric quality, featuring haunting melodies that intertwine with heavy riffs, highlighting Periphery’s ability to balance light and dark elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Clear showcases intricate compositions and dynamic shifts, solidifying Periphery's innovative approach in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The EP opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a thematic tone, followed by six tracks that each explore different musical ideas.
- The final track includes an extended outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure after the varied sonic journey.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady pacing with emotional highs
- intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
- atmospheric melodies for deep focus
- short sessions with rich detail
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 24, 2014, Clear serves as Periphery's fifth EP, following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status within the progressive metal scene while experimenting with a more conceptual approach to songwriting, emphasizing a cohesive sound across this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Animals as Leaders· Tesseract· Between the Buried and Me
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Zero
The perspective shifts from introspection to confrontation, revealing a stark admission of vulnerability amidst powerful instrumentals.
This structural choice amplifies the emotional weight of the song, marking a pivotal transition that deepens the listener's connection to the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Overture 2:11
- 2 The Summer Jam 4:17
- 3 Feed the Ground 4:37
- 4 Zero 5:30
- 5 The Parade of Ashes 5:12
- 6 Extraneous 3:20
- 7 Pale Aura 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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