Darkest Angels cover

Darkest Angels

VIXX · 2014

55 min · 16 tracks · K-pop

A darkly atmospheric blend of K-pop and electronic elements, weaving haunting melodies with pulsating rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    奇跡 (Eternity) — As the lead single, it encapsulates the album's haunting atmosphere with its emotive vocals and orchestral arrangement, setting a powerful tone for the project.
  • →
    ハイド — This track exemplifies the band's exploration of darker themes and features an urgent beat paired with introspective lyrics that resonate with the album's overall concept.
  • →
    答えはキミだから — The song showcases a dynamic shift in tempo and mood, balancing upbeat energy with poignant storytelling that captures the complexity of love and longing.
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    痛いのに好きだよ (UUUUU) — Demonstrating an emotional vulnerability, this track stands out with its raw lyrics about painful affection, highlighting the album's depth and range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends K-pop with electronic elements effectively, though its cohesion suffers from varied tempos and moods.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a dramatic orchestral intro that sets a dark tone, followed by the lead single 'Eternity', which features layered vocals and a haunting melody.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic beats and synths, creating a pulsating rhythm that contrasts with the more melodic elements.
  • The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, particularly between the high-energy tracks like 'Rock Ur Body' and the more introspective pieces such as 'Love Letter'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 mid-tempo groove throughout
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • atmospheric soundscapes for focus
  • emotional exploration in every track
  • captivating harmonies for headphone use

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2014, VIXX released Darkest Angels as their first full-length album, following their successful EPs and singles. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more mature and complex musical identity compared to their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
B.A.P· EXO· SHINee

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • ハイド

    The moment shifts from external observations to a deep internal conflict regarding identity and personal struggles.

    This transition adds layers to the narrative, showcasing a juxtaposition between outward appearances and inner turmoil.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 奇跡 (Eternity) 3:05
  • 2 デ・ダ・ナ・ダ・ノ (ス・ゴ・イ・ネ・キミ) 3:31
  • 3 ハイド 3:17
  • 4 呪いの人形 3:38
  • 5 傷つく準備ができてる 3:15
  • 6 答えはキミだから 3:46
  • 7 Rock Ur Body 3:44
  • 8 SUPER HERO 3:32
  • 9 ジキル 0:44
  • 10 暗闇を照らせ 3:02
  • 11 もう耐えないで 3:47
  • 12 Love Letter 4:36
  • 13 アイドルやりたくない 3:46
  • 14 痛いのに好きだよ (UUUUU) 3:51
  • 15 Someday 3:57
  • 16 ふたりの愛が生まれた日 4:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata