What makes Flood by Boris notable?

Upon release, 'Flood' received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and innovative sound, influencing the drone metal genre significantly. It is often cited by critics as a landmark record in Boris's discography that helped establish their reputation in underground music circles. At the turn of the millennium, Boris was transitioning from their earlier work into a more experimental phase, marking 'Flood' as their fifth studio album. Following the release of 'Amplifier Worship' in 1998, this album solidified their commitment to exploring long-form compositions and heavy, textured sounds.

How many songs are on Flood?

Flood has 4 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Flood

Boris · 2000

70 min · 4 tracks · noise rock

A relentless exploration of sound, where droning guitars merge with vast, atmospheric textures in an immersive auditory landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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flood -part.1- — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its expansive drones and slowly evolving soundscapes, showcasing Boris's mastery of atmosphere.
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flood -part.2- — Part two intensifies the sonic experience with heavier guitar layers and a more pronounced sense of rhythm, illustrating the band's dynamic range.
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flood -part.3- — The longest segment of the album delves deeper into ambient chaos, creating an immersive journey that encapsulates the essence of the project’s exploratory spirit.
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flood -part.4- — Closing out the album, this track returns to a more subdued yet haunting atmosphere, providing a reflective conclusion to the sonic odyssey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive structure and seamless transitions create a unique auditory experience that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album consists of four lengthy tracks, each labeled as a part, with the first three parts gradually building in intensity before the final part offers a stark contrast.
Each track features extended sections of droning guitars layered with atmospheric textures, creating a sense of immersion and continuity across the record.
The transitions between parts are seamless, often blurring the lines between individual tracks and contributing to an overarching sonic experience.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks a shift into a more experimental phase, influencing the drone metal genre.
Themes: sonic immersion· atmospheric textures· experimental soundscapes
Career context: At the turn of the millennium, Boris was transitioning from their earlier work into a more experimental phase, marking 'Flood' as their fifth studio album. Following the release of 'Amplifier Worship' in 1998, this album solidified their commitment to exploring long-form compositions and heavy, textured sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: EARTH· Sleep· Pelican