Fantasy Empire
Lightning Bolt · 2015
48 min · 9 tracks · noise rock
Relentlessly experimental noise rock collides with melodic undercurrents, creating an immersive auditory experience that defies conventional structures.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Metal East — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and intricate layering of sound, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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King of My World — The track features a compelling blend of chaotic instrumentation and catchy hooks, illustrating the band's ability to merge intensity with melody seamlessly.
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Snow White (& The 7 Dwarves Fans) — At over eleven minutes long, this track showcases the band's improvisational prowess and depth, evolving through different phases that captivate listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and melodic contrasts create a unique sound within noise rock.
What we noticed
- The first track features a rapid-fire drum pattern that sets a frenetic pace, while the bass guitar weaves in and out of dissonant melodies.
- The album includes moments of melodic clarity amidst the chaos, particularly in the choruses of 'King of My World' and 'Leave the Lantern Lit'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intense bursts of energy
- challenging sonic experimentation
- immersive soundscape exploration
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- late-night headphone adventures
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek mellow background music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Fantasy Empire is Lightning Bolt's first studio album in nearly a decade, following the 2009 release of Earthly Delights. By this point, the band had established themselves as pioneers in the noise rock genre, known for their intense live performances and innovative sound. The album marked a significant return to form after a long hiatus, showcasing their evolved sonic landscape while maintaining their signature raw energy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Melt-Banana· The Locust· Death from Above 1979
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Metal East 4:12
- 2 Over the River and Through the Woods 6:31
- 3 Horsepower 4:43
- 4 King of My World 3:56
- 5 Mythmaster 5:11
- 6 Runaway Train 4:38
- 7 Leave the Lantern Lit 1:15
- 8 Dream Genie 6:21
- 9 Snow White (& The 7 Dwarves Fans) 11:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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