What makes Fiendish by Phideaux Xavier notable?

Fiendish received critical acclaim upon release, particularly for its ambitious compositions and lyrical depth, which helped solidify Phideaux's reputation in the progressive rock scene. The album's innovative approach to songwriting and production resonated with fans and critics alike, leading to increased visibility within the genre and influencing subsequent artists exploring similar themes. Released in 2003, Fiendish marked Phideaux Xavier's second studio album, following his debut album, The Great Leap. At this point in his career, he was refining his unique sound and expanding his artistic vision, moving deeper into the realms of progressive rock while establishing a distinctive narrative style.

How many songs are on Fiendish?

Fiendish has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Fiendish

Phideaux Xavier · 2003

44 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

A surreal blend of progressive rock that intertwines haunting melodies with intricate arrangements and thought-provoking narratives.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Animal Games — This track stands out for its engaging rhythm and clever lyrics that critique societal norms through metaphorical imagery, reflecting the album's overarching themes.
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Little Monster — With its intriguing narrative about inner demons and personal struggle, this song encapsulates the emotional core of Fiendish while showcasing Phideaux's vocal range.
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Vultures & Mosquitoes — The juxtaposition of dark themes with melodic hooks makes this track a highlight, illustrating Phideaux's ability to blend storytelling with musicality effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions with intricate arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, especially in 'Fiendish' and 'Vultures & Mosquitoes'.
The use of unconventional song structures is prominent, with multiple sections and instrumental interludes that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 Fragment 4:12
2 Animal Games 3:30
3 100 mg 3:12
4 100 Coda 2:24
5 Hellphone 2:10
6 Little Monster 5:12
7 Headstones 4:15
8 Fiendish 2:59
9 Vultures & Mosquitoes 4:18
10 Soundblast 7:17
11 Space Brother 5:22

What to play next

Listen next

Ghost Story

2004

Go back to

Friction

1993

Full Phideaux Xavier discography Artists like Phideaux Xavier

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata