Eight Ways
Madder Mortem · 2009
64 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal
A dark and intricate fusion of progressive metal, melding haunting melodies with complex rhythms and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Armour — This track showcases the band's ability to combine heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a dynamic contrast that defines their style.
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Life, Lust & Liberty — The song features a compelling narrative structure, weaving together personal themes of desire and freedom, making it emblematic of the album's lyrical depth.
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The Eighth Wave — As the closing track, it encapsulates the album's overarching themes while highlighting the band's musical evolution through its expansive arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious songwriting with complex structures and strong thematic elements.
What we noticed
- Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive growls, often within the same song, creating a stark contrast in delivery.
- Many tracks utilize layered guitar harmonies that build tension before resolving into more straightforward riffs.
- Lyrically, the album explores existential themes, with each song presenting a distinct narrative or concept.
- 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
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.
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Resolution
A pivotal moment where the lyrics shift from despair to a glimmer of hope, reflecting on personal transformation and acceptance.
This transition not only marks a thematic climax in the song but also demonstrates the band's skill in balancing darkness with moments of light.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Formaldehyde 5:23
- 2 The Little Things 4:58
- 3 Armour 5:01
- 4 Resolution 6:24
- 5 A Different Kind of Hell 5:11
- 6 Riddle Wants to Be 4:08
- 7 Where Dream and Day Collide 5:43
- 8 The Flesh, the Blood and the Man 4:32
- 9 Get That Monster Out of Here 5:37
- 10 Life, Lust & Liberty 4:19
- 11 All I Know 3:47
- 12 The Eighth Wave 9:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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