Decrowning cover

Released 21 years ago this October

Decrowning

Amoral · 2005

41 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A fierce blend of melodic death metal and progressive elements, punctuated by intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Showdown — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive riffing and intricate melodies, establishing a powerful introduction to Amoral's evolving sound.
  • →
    Decrowning — This title track encapsulates the album’s themes through complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, showcasing both musical prowess and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Drug of Choice — A concise yet impactful song that highlights the band's ability to blend heaviness with melody, delivering an infectious chorus alongside sharp instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions with strong guitar work and varied vocal styles, marking a notable evolution in Amoral's sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features frequent tempo changes, with several tracks shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic passages.
  • Guitar solos are prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that create a rich texture in the sound.
  • Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, allowing for dynamic contrasts within individual tracks.
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
6/10

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

  • aggressive riffs with melodic interplay
  • dynamic shifts in intensity
  • short bursts of energy
  • cathartic release through tension
  • focused listening for detail

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, mellow sounds
  • seek long, uninterrupted tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 5, 2005, 'Decrowning' marks Amoral's third studio album and their first with new vocalist Niko Kalliojärvi. This record followed their previous album 'Reptile Ride' and showcased a significant evolution in their sound, leaning more towards a melodic approach while retaining their heavy metal roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Dark Tranquillity· In Flames· Soilwork

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Showdown 6:09
  • 2 Lacrimal Gland 4:11
  • 3 Decrowning 4:34
  • 4 Tiebreaker 3:41
  • 5 Drug of Choice 2:52
  • 6 Denial 101 4:45
  • 7 Control Cancer 4:44
  • 8 Raptus 2:38
  • 9 Warp 2:16
  • 10 Bleeder 5:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata