What does Era Vulgaris sound like?

A raw blend of hard rock riffs and experimental textures that captures a chaotic, gritty essence. Rooted in alternative rock and hard rock. Start with "Turnin’ on the Screw".

Is Era Vulgaris a good place to start with Queens of the Stone Age?

Yes, Era Vulgaris is recommended as a starting point for new Queens of the Stone Age listeners. A raw blend of hard rock riffs and experimental textures that captures a chaotic, gritty essence. When 'Era Vulgaris' was released in 2007, Queens of the Stone Age were riding the momentum from their critically acclaimed album 'Lullabies to Paralyze' (2005). This fifth studio album marked a deliberate shift towards a darker and more experimental sound as frontman Josh Homme explored themes of disillusionment and excess, following a tumultuous period of lineup changes and personal upheaval.

Who is Era Vulgaris for?

Era Vulgaris works well if you're into chaotic energy for late nights, dynamic journey with varied peaks and dark humor in lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Era Vulgaris?

Era Vulgaris has 24 tracks, running approximately 120 minutes.

Era Vulgaris

Queens of the Stone Age · 2007

120 min · 24 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of hard rock riffs and experimental textures that captures a chaotic, gritty essence.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Turnin’ on the Screw Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sick, Sick, Sick — This track encapsulates the album's frenetic energy through its aggressive vocals and driving rhythm, making it an anthem for disillusionment.
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Misfit Love — With its haunting atmosphere and intricate guitar work, this song highlights the album's darker themes of longing and isolation amidst chaos.
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3’s & 7’s — This track blends catchy hooks with heavy instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature stoner rock style while also revealing a pop sensibility.
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Into the Hollow — A standout moment that balances melodic introspection with heavier sounds, illustrating Homme's ability to weave complex emotions into his songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of hard rock and experimental elements creates a distinctive sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more experimental soundscapes.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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

chaotic energy for late nights
dynamic journey with varied peaks
dark humor in lyrical themes
engaging riffs for focused listening
wave-like pacing for immersion

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Features a deliberate departure from their established sound with bold experimentation.
Moods: Dark
Career context: When 'Era Vulgaris' was released in 2007, Queens of the Stone Age were riding the momentum from their critically acclaimed album 'Lullabies to Paralyze' (2005). This fifth studio album marked a deliberate shift towards a darker and more experimental sound as frontman Josh Homme explored themes of disillusionment and excess, following a tumultuous period of lineup changes and personal upheaval.
Stylistic neighbors: Kyuss· Them Crooked Vultures· Eagles of Death Metal