Colored Sands
Gorguts · 2013
62 min · 9 tracks · technical death metal
Complex riffs intertwine with atmospheric interludes, creating a haunting tapestry of avant-garde and technical death metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Le Toit du monde — This opening track sets the stage with its blend of dissonant melodies and frenetic rhythms, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of complexity and exploration.
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Colored Sands — The title track stands out for its elaborate arrangements and philosophical lyrics, reflecting on cultural identity and the nature of existence, making it central to the album's narrative.
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Enemies of Compassion — This track showcases the band's technical prowess through dynamic shifts and intricate guitar work, representing Gorguts' ability to merge aggression with melodic depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and atmospheric contrasts mark it as a significant entry in technical death metal.
What we noticed
- Interludes of atmospheric soundscapes are interspersed between heavier sections, allowing for dynamic contrast.
- Several tracks incorporate dissonant harmonies and unconventional song structures, challenging traditional metal forms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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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8/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive sonic exploration
- haunting atmospheric interludes
- complex arrangements for deep focus
- cathartic release through intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy songs
- seek quick, instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Colored Sands marked Gorguts' return after a lengthy hiatus since their last album, From Wisdom to Hate in 2001. This album showcases the band's evolution into more complex structures and a renewed exploration of progressive elements within their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ulcerate· Deathspell Omega· Portal
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Colored Sands
A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift from abstract concepts to a direct meditation on heritage and loss.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Le Toit du monde 6:33
- 2 An Ocean of Wisdom 7:21
- 3 Forgotten Arrows 5:41
- 4 Colored Sands 7:55
- 5 The Battle of Chamdo 4:43
- 6 Enemies of Compassion 7:03
- 7 Ember’s Voice 6:48
- 8 Absconders 9:09
- 9 Reduced to Silence 7:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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