What makes Esoteric Emotions – The Death of Ignorance by Esoteric notable?

This album is significant for its contribution to the funeral doom metal scene, influencing numerous bands that followed. It garnered a cult following due to its deep thematic exploration and unique sound, which features extended compositions that challenge conventional song structures. Released in 1993, 'Esoteric Emotions – The Death of Ignorance' is Esoteric's debut album, positioning them as pioneers within the funeral doom metal genre. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity, having formed just a couple of years prior in 1992.

How many songs are on Esoteric Emotions – The Death of Ignorance?

Esoteric Emotions – The Death of Ignorance has 8 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Esoteric Emotions – The Death of Ignorance

Esoteric · 1993

78 min · 8 tracks · funeral doom metal

Looming, cavernous soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a palpable atmosphere of despair and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Eyes of Darkness — The lengthy composition captivates with its slow build-up and layered instrumentation, epitomizing the atmospheric depth that defines the album.
→
Infanticidal Fantasies — This track stands out with its chilling lyrical themes and dynamic shifts between crushing heaviness and delicate passages, showcasing the band's range.
→
Scarred — Its intense emotional weight and intricate guitar work encapsulate the essence of funeral doom, highlighting the band's ability to evoke profound feelings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's lengthy compositions and atmospheric depth establish it as a notable entry in funeral doom metal.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with most exceeding eight minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric development.
Guitar riffs are heavily distorted and layered, creating a dense wall of sound that complements the deep growls and haunting melodies.
Several tracks incorporate ambient interludes that contrast with the heavier sections, enhancing the overall sense of despair.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Esoteric 9:11
2 In Solitude 7:13
3 Enslavers of the Insecure 8:49
4 Scarred 12:18
5 Eyes of Darkness 16:54
6 Infanticidal Fantasies 7:59
7 Expectations of Love 8:19
8 The Laughter of the Ignorant 7:19

What to play next

Listen next

Epistemological Despondency

1994

Full Esoteric discography Artists like Esoteric

funeral doom metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata