Drive
Poisonblack · 2011
52 min · 12 tracks · heavy metal
A haunting blend of gothic melodies and heavy metal riffs that evoke a sense of melancholic introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Mercury Falling — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, combining atmospheric guitar lines with poignant lyrics about personal struggle and disillusionment.
-
→
A Good Day for the Crows — The song stands out for its engaging narrative quality, depicting themes of loss and acceptance against a backdrop of driving rhythms and haunting melodies.
-
→
Futile Man — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts in tempo, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of existential themes, making it a compelling listen.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Drive showcases strong songwriting and atmospheric elements but lacks cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric sound, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often reflect themes of introspection and melancholy, with a recurring use of metaphorical imagery across multiple songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- brooding atmospheric focus
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Drive is Poisonblack's fourth studio album, following their 2008 release, A Dead Heavy Day. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the gothic metal scene, continuing to evolve their sound while retaining the dark lyrical themes characteristic of their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sentenced· Tristania· The Sins of Thy Beloved
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Piston Head 4:05
- 2 Mercury Falling 4:07
- 3 A Good Day for the Crows 4:23
- 4 Maggot Song 3:48
- 5 From Now-Here to Nowhere 6:10
- 6 Sycophant 3:49
- 7 The Dead-End Stream 3:29
- 8 Futile Man 6:21
- 9 Scars 5:07
- 10 Driftwood 3:29
- 11 Them Footsteps Echo 2:45
- 12 The Ball and Chain 4:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.