What makes Extol by Extol notable?

Extol received critical acclaim upon release, being noted for its innovative blend of melodic structures and heavy instrumentation. The album helped revitalize interest in the progressive metal genre and was recognized by various publications, affirming the band's influence on both established and emerging artists in the scene. Released in 2013, Extol marked Extol's first album in over a decade, following their 2005 effort, The Blueprint Dives. The band emerged from a hiatus, reestablishing themselves within the progressive metal scene and showcasing their evolving sound while retaining their signature complexity.

How many songs are on Extol?

Extol has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Extol

Extol · 2013

46 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

A labyrinth of intricate riffs and ethereal melodies intertwined with a relentless rhythm section that pushes the boundaries of progressive metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Betrayal — Opening the album with explosive energy, this track encapsulates Extol's technical prowess and thematic depth, setting a compelling tone for the entire record.
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A Gift Beyond Human Reach — This song features haunting melodies paired with complex arrangements, highlighting the band's ability to merge emotional depth with intricate musicality.
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Behold the Sun — Offering a moment of reflection amidst heavier tracks, this piece showcases stunning harmonies and lyrical introspection, making it a standout in their discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Extol's intricate compositions and dynamic shifts create a compelling progressive metal experience.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, often layered to create a rich texture.
Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that showcase intricate guitar work and elaborate solos.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Betrayal 4:18
2 Open the Gates 4:27
3 Wastelands 4:58
4 A Gift Beyond Human Reach 4:04
5 Faltering Moves 5:54
6 Behold the Sun 4:13
7 Dawn of Redemption 4:16
8 Ministers 4:18
9 Extol 4:03
10 Unveiling the Obscure 5:36

What to play next

Listen next

Aura of Decay

2026

Go back to

The Blueprint Dives

2005

Full Extol discography Artists like Extol

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata