Engravings
Forest Swords · 2013
50 min · 10 tracks · experimental music
A haunting blend of organic textures and electronic soundscapes that evoke a sense of melancholic introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ljoss — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal atmosphere and layered instrumentation, illustrating the eclectic sound palette that defines the project.
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The Weight of Gold — Here, Forest Swords intertwines striking melodies with rich textures, highlighting his ability to create an emotionally charged listening experience.
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Friend, You Will Never Learn — As the album's closing piece, it encapsulates the journey through disquieting soundscapes while offering a poignant resolution that lingers long after listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalEngravings showcases innovative sound design and emotional depth, establishing a unique voice in experimental music.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature a gradual build-up of sound, often starting with minimal elements and layering additional textures over time.
- The use of silence and space is prominent, with some tracks allowing for extended pauses that enhance the emotional weight of the music.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- haunting soundscapes for deep thinking
- melancholic introspection on quiet evenings
- patient unfolding of layered textures
- immersive journeys through reflective moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, energetic tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Engravings is Forest Swords' debut full-length album, following a series of acclaimed EPs. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in the experimental music scene, crafting a unique sonic identity that combines elements of dub, ambient, and folk.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Burial· Oneohtrix Point Never· Tim Hecker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ljoss 5:19
- 2 Thor's Stone 4:31
- 3 Irby Tremor 4:11
- 4 Onward 5:40
- 5 The Weight of Gold 5:04
- 6 An Hour 5:02
- 7 Anneka's Battle 4:09
- 8 Gathering 4:59
- 9 The Plumes 3:40
- 10 Friend, You Will Never Learn 8:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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