Released 13 years ago this October
Das Seelenbrechen
Ihsahn · 2013
48 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal
A haunting blend of progressive metal and dark atmospheric soundscapes, evoking both introspection and existential dread.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hiber — The opening track sets a chilling tone with its eerie melodies and intricate layering, encapsulating the album's exploration of darkness and reflection.
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Regen — This track showcases Ihsahn's ability to fuse harsh vocals with melodic progressions, creating a compelling juxtaposition that defines the album's emotional depth.
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Pulse — With its relentless rhythm and dynamic shifts, Pulse exemplifies the progressive elements of the album while maintaining an intense atmosphere throughout.
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Sub Äter — This track highlights atmospheric soundscapes paired with introspective lyrics, demonstrating Ihsahn's skill in crafting immersive musical experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious composition and atmospheric depth create a distinctive listening experience within progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered vocals and intricate guitar work, establishing a dense atmospheric sound.
- The use of ambient interludes between heavier songs allows for moments of reflection, enhancing the emotional weight of the record.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 progression inviting reflection
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- mid-tempo pacing for deep focus
- emotional complexity in each track
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Das Seelenbrechen is Ihsahn's fourth solo album, following his critically acclaimed work, Eremita. At this point in his career, he had firmly established himself as a pivotal figure in the metal scene, blending genres while exploring complex themes through his music.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hiber 5:12
- 2 Regen 5:03
- 3 NaCl 4:24
- 4 Pulse 4:53
- 5 Tacit II 4:58
- 6 Tacit I 4:36
- 7 Rec 2:26
- 8 M 4:39
- 9 Sub Äter 5:15
- 10 See 7:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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