What makes Desiderata by Madder Mortem notable?

Desiderata received positive reviews for its ambitious musicality and lyrical depth, establishing Madder Mortem as an influential band within the progressive metal genre. The album's exploration of themes such as existentialism and societal collapse resonated with listeners, contributing to its cult following among metal enthusiasts. Released in 2006, Desiderata is Madder Mortem's fourth studio album, following their acclaimed release, Eight Ways. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their signature sound, characterized by a mix of melodic elements and heavier instrumentation, positioning them as prominent figures in the Norwegian progressive metal scene.

How many songs are on Desiderata?

Desiderata has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Desiderata

Madder Mortem · 2006

54 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

Madder Mortem blends haunting melodies and intricate arrangements with heavy riffs, creating a uniquely atmospheric progressive metal experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Name Is Silence — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal atmosphere and haunting vocals, introducing listeners to the band's unique blend of heaviness and melody.
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Dystopia — This interlude serves as a pivotal moment on the album, enhancing its thematic depth by providing a stark contrast to the surrounding tracks through its unsettling ambiance.
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The Flood to Come — A standout track that showcases the band's dynamic range, combining aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics that reflect on impending change and uncertainty.
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Desiderata — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes, blending poignant lyrics with complex musical arrangements that highlight the band's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate arrangements with strong melodies, making it a notable entry in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build intensity with layered guitar riffs and dynamic shifts, while the second half introduces more atmospheric interludes.
Vocals alternate between melodic singing and harsher tones, creating a contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Plague on This Land

The imagery starkly shifts from personal despair to broader societal critique, painting a grim picture of contemporary issues.

This shift elevates the narrative from individual sorrow to collective turmoil, emphasizing how personal experiences are intertwined with larger societal struggles.

Tracklist

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

1 My Name Is Silence 3:07
2 Evasions 5:14
3 Plague on This Land 4:39
4 Dystopia 1:15
5 M for Malice 4:16
6 The Flood to Come 4:55
7 Changeling 4:24
8 Cold Stone 6:00
9 Hypnos 4:38
10 Sedition 4:04
11 Desiderata 6:07
12 Hangman 6:03

What to play next

Listen next

Eight Ways

2009

Go back to

Mercury

2006

Full Madder Mortem discography Artists like Madder Mortem

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata