Demon Box cover

Demon Box

Motorpsycho · 1993

71 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling journey through progressive landscapes, melding intricate arrangements with psychedelic rock elements and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Demon Box — The title track serves as a centerpiece for the album, featuring an expansive structure that encapsulates the band's experimental ethos and musical complexity.
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    Sunchild — This track highlights a melodic sensibility paired with intricate instrumental interplay, exemplifying Motorpsycho's knack for marrying accessibility with progressive depth.
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    Feedtime — With its driving rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics, 'Feedtime' showcases the band’s ability to blend lyrical introspection with robust musicality.
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    Step Inside Again — This song features lush harmonies and a reflective tone, serving as an excellent bridge between the heavier moments on the album and its softer passages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's complex arrangements and genre-blending sound create a distinctive and engaging experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate musical explorations.
  • The use of layered instrumentation, including guitars, keyboards, and varied percussion, contributes to a rich soundscape throughout the record.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • sprawling odyssey of sound
  • patient exploration of themes
  • immersive headphone detail hunting
  • cathartic long-form compositions
  • reflective listening for solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, instant gratification
  • seek straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Defined the band's sound and helped establish their reputation in the alternative rock scene.
Career context
By the time 'Demon Box' was released in January 1993, Motorpsycho had established themselves within the Norwegian rock scene with their previous album, 'No Joke!' in 1991. This third studio effort marked a pivotal point in their development, pushing the boundaries of their sound and showcasing their artistic growth as they began to incorporate more varied influences into their music.
Stylistic neighbors
The Mars Volta· Porcupine Tree· Opeth

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Waiting for the One 2:50
  • 2 Nothing to Say 5:18
  • 3 Feedtime 5:15
  • 4 Sunchild 4:05
  • 5 Tuesday Morning 4:22
  • 6 All Is Loneliness 5:08
  • 7 Come On In 2:40
  • 8 Step Inside Again 3:39
  • 9 Demon Box 17:06
  • 10 Babylon 2:30
  • 11 Junior 4:34
  • 12 Plan #1 7:39
  • 13 Sheer Profoundity 3:37
  • 14 The One Who Went Away 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata