What makes Fairytales of Slavery by Miranda Sex Garden notable?

Fairytales of Slavery received attention for its unique sound and lyrical depth, making it a notable entry in the gothic rock genre. The album was praised for its artistic ambition and went on to influence subsequent artists who sought to blend dark themes with ethereal aesthetics. Released on June 18, 1994, Fairytales of Slavery marked Miranda Sex Garden's second studio album and their first after the critically acclaimed debut, Sleep. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their identity within the gothic rock genre while experimenting with diverse influences, which helped them carve a niche in the UK music scene.

How many songs are on Fairytales of Slavery?

Fairytales of Slavery has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Fairytales of Slavery

Miranda Sex Garden · 1994

54 min · 13 tracks · gothic rock

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and dark, atmospheric instrumentation that immerses listeners in a gothic dreamscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cut — Opening the album with an aggressive yet melodic tone, 'Cut' perfectly sets the stage for the contrasting dynamics that define the record.
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Havana Lied — This track stands out for its brevity and poignant lyrics, offering a snapshot of emotional intensity that resonates throughout the album.
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A Fairytale About Slavery — 'A Fairytale About Slavery' serves as the album’s thematic centerpiece, weaving complex narratives that reflect societal issues through a poetic lens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

75 /100

Treeline

Higher than 73% of albums we've rated

The album's unique sound and varied structures contribute to its distinctiveness within gothic rock.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build on a steady, haunting atmosphere, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, often creating a call-and-response effect that enhances the ethereal quality of the sound.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with abrupt shifts in instrumentation and mood that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.

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: 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 Cut 5:00
2 Fly 3:44
3 Peep Show 3:55
4 The Wooden Boat 6:28
5 Havana Lied 2:13
6 Cover My Face 3:59
7 Transit 2:56
8 Freezing 2:25
9 Serial Angels 3:21
10 Wheel 6:23
11 Intermission 1:38
12 The Monk Song 3:25
13 A Fairytale About Slavery 8:48

What to play next

Listen next

Carnival of Souls

2000

Go back to

Suspiria

1993

Full Miranda Sex Garden discography Artists like Miranda Sex Garden Which Miranda Sex Garden albums to start with

gothic rock

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