Distant Populations
Quicksand · 2021
32 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal
A visceral blend of post-hardcore intensity and melodic undertones, showcasing a refined yet aggressive sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Inversion — Opening with an urgent energy, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of complex emotions intertwined with heavy instrumentation.
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Colossus — A standout for its dynamic shifts, the song encapsulates the band's signature blend of heaviness and melody, making it a perfect representation of their evolution.
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The Philosopher — This track masterfully intertwines introspective lyrics with driving riffs, highlighting Quicksand's ability to combine thought-provoking themes with compelling music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intensity and melody effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship but not innovation.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a high-energy pace with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the fourth track introduces a more melodic interlude.
- The final track closes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of tension.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- urgent bursts of intensity
- short tracks for quick engagement
- reflective moments within chaos
- energetic yet contemplative vibe
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, drawn-out pieces
- seek mellow and relaxed sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 13, 2021, 'Distant Populations' was Quicksand's first album in over two decades since 'Manic Compression' (1995). The band returned to the scene during a revitalized interest in post-hardcore, capitalizing on their legacy while introducing a modern edge to their sound.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Inversion 2:38
- 2 Lightning Field 2:23
- 3 Colossus 3:18
- 4 Brushed 3:35
- 5 Katakana 2:35
- 6 Missile Command 3:24
- 7 Phase 90 3:34
- 8 The Philosopher 3:28
- 9 Compacted Reality 1:10
- 10 EMDR 2:59
- 11 Rodan 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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