Deep Tracts of Hell
Aura Noir · 1998
43 min · 12 tracks · black metal
A relentless barrage of raw riffs and primal energy that embodies the chaotic essence of black metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Deep Tracts of Hell — The opening track sets an intense tone with its rapid-fire guitars and relentless drumming, encapsulating the album's chaotic energy.
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Blood Unity — This track stands out for its intricate melodic structures juxtaposed with aggressive rhythms, showcasing the band's technical prowess within a brutal framework.
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The Beautiful, Darkest Path — With its haunting atmosphere and shifting dynamics, this song exemplifies the balance between melody and aggression that defines much of Aura Noir's sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, maintaining intensity while exploring varied tempos and textures.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a rapid tempo and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a relentless pace for the first half.
- Several tracks employ abrupt tempo shifts, transitioning from fast-paced sections to slower, heavier breakdowns.
- Vocals are delivered in a harsh style that complements the chaotic instrumentation, often layered with reverb to enhance the raw sound.
- The final track features an extended outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure after the intense preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- immersive listening experiences
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Deep Tracts of Hell marked Aura Noir's third studio effort, solidifying their position within the Norwegian black metal scene following their previous album, The Merciless. At this point in their career, they were shifting from their debut sound towards a more aggressive style, further defining their unique mix of thrash and black metal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Darkthrone· Mayhem· Immortal
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Deep Tracts of Hell 1:56
- 2 Released Damnation 4:22
- 3 Swarm of Vultures 2:45
- 4 Blood Unity 4:48
- 5 Slasher 3:26
- 6 Purification of Hell 2:43
- 7 The Spiral Scar 4:26
- 8 The Beautiful, Darkest Path 4:30
- 9 Broth of Oblivion 4:37
- 10 To Wear the Mark 3:26
- 11 Mirage 2:42
- 12 The Rape 3:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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