What makes Existential Reckoning by Puscifer notable?

The album received critical acclaim, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. Its exploration of contemporary issues resonated with listeners during a tumultuous time, positioning it as a significant commentary on modern society's struggles. Additionally, the unique blend of genres showcased Puscifer's innovative approach to rock music. Existential Reckoning is Puscifer's fourth studio album, arriving five years after their previous release, Money Shot. This album marks a continued evolution in the band's sound and themes, delving deeper into existential musings amidst chaotic global events. The project showcases the band's artistic ambition and willingness to push boundaries within the alternative rock landscape.

Who is Existential Reckoning for?

Existential Reckoning works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, cerebral explorations of existence and thought-provoking late-night introspection.

How many songs are on Existential Reckoning?

Existential Reckoning has 12 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 6 years ago this October

Existential Reckoning

Puscifer · 2020

60 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting exploration of dystopia, merging industrial textures with introspective lyrics and a cinematic soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bread and Circus — Opening with a darkly hypnotic groove, this track sets the thematic tone for the album, reflecting on societal distractions and disillusionment.
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Apocalyptical — This song encapsulates the album's urgent themes with its driving beat and poignant lyrics about impending chaos and individual agency.
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Personal Prometheus — A standout track that combines powerful imagery with a reflective narrative on creation and destruction, showcasing vocal dynamics and lyrical depth.

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 blend of industrial textures and introspective lyrics creates a unique sound that rewards multiple listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow build, layering industrial sounds and haunting vocals that set a dark tone for the first half.
Tracks often feature abrupt transitions, such as moving from heavy instrumentation to sparse arrangements, creating a sense of unpredictability.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with singing, adding to the introspective and cinematic feel of the record.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with resolution
cerebral explorations of existence
thought-provoking late-night introspection
dynamic shifts in emotional tone
immersive listening for deep thoughts

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued evolution and relevance in the band's sound and themes.
Career context: Existential Reckoning is Puscifer's fourth studio album, arriving five years after their previous release, Money Shot. This album marks a continued evolution in the band's sound and themes, delving deeper into existential musings amidst chaotic global events. The project showcases the band's artistic ambition and willingness to push boundaries within the alternative rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Tool· A Perfect Circle· Nine Inch Nails