What makes Clearing the Path to Ascend by Yob notable?

Clearing the Path to Ascend received widespread acclaim upon its release, with many critics highlighting its depth and emotional weight. It was named one of the best albums of 2014 by multiple publications, including Pitchfork, which underscored its influence on both the doom metal genre and the broader heavy music scene. By the time Yob released Clearing the Path to Ascend in 2014, they had already solidified their position as a leading force in doom metal. This album followed their critically acclaimed 2011 release, Atma, and marked a significant return after a brief hiatus that included lineup changes and personal challenges faced by frontman Mike Scheidt.

How many songs are on Clearing the Path to Ascend?

Clearing the Path to Ascend has 4 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Clearing the Path to Ascend

Yob · 2014

62 min · 4 tracks · doom metal

A labyrinth of crushing riffs and haunting melodies, merging existential themes with a meditative, expansive soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In Our Blood — Clocking in at nearly 17 minutes, this opening track sets a profound tone with its intricate dynamics and philosophical introspection. The gradual build-up showcases the band's ability to weave heavy riffs with contemplative moments, creating an immersive listening experience.
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Unmask the Spectre — This track exemplifies Yob's signature blend of heaviness and melody, featuring soaring vocals against a backdrop of crushing instrumentation. Its thematic exploration of fear and redemption resonates deeply throughout its expansive runtime.
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Marrow — Ending the album on an epic note, Marrow encapsulates the overarching themes of ascendance and transcendence through its relentless yet beautiful progression. The emotional weight carried in both the lyrics and instrumentation makes it a powerful conclusion to the journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's lengthy tracks and immersive sound create a cohesive and distinctive experience within doom metal.

What we noticed

Each of the four tracks exceeds eight minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that build atmosphere gradually.
The album features a consistent use of layered guitar harmonies that create a dense, immersive soundscape.
Vocals are often delivered in a growled style, interspersed with clean singing, which adds to the dynamic contrast throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.