Given to the Rising cover

Given to the Rising

Neurosis · 2007

70 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk

A sprawling, atmospheric journey that intertwines heavy riffs with haunting melodies and lyrical introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Given to the Rising — The opening track sets an expansive tone for the album with its gradual build-up of intensity, merging melodic sections with crushing heaviness that epitomizes Neurosis' signature style.
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    Fear and Sickness — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse raw emotion with complex arrangements, featuring dynamic shifts that mirror the inner turmoil expressed in the lyrics.
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    Water Is Not Enough — A standout piece that highlights a more subdued yet haunting atmosphere, it captures the theme of existential despair while showcasing the band's range.
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    Origin — Closing out the album with an eleven-minute epic, this track combines all elements present throughout the record, culminating in a powerful reflection on life's cyclical nature.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate compositions and dynamic shifts, solidifying its place in post-metal while maintaining a distinct sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a 10-minute title track that gradually builds intensity, layering heavy guitar riffs with atmospheric soundscapes.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections where the tempo shifts dramatically, creating a sense of ebb and flow throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamic exploration
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • immersive peaks and valleys
  • long-form atmospheric journey

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, catchy tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Given to the Rising is Neurosis' seventh studio album, released after their acclaimed 2004 effort, The Eye of Every Storm. At this stage in their career, the band had solidified their position as pioneers of post-metal, blending elements of sludge and hardcore punk while continuing to evolve their sound. This album showcases their commitment to sonic exploration and emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Isis· Cult of Luna· Mastodon

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Given to the Rising 8:55
  • 2 Fear and Sickness 7:13
  • 3 To the Wind 7:37
  • 4 At the End of the Road 8:25
  • 5 Shadow 2:26
  • 6 Hidden Faces 5:33
  • 7 Water Is Not Enough 7:03
  • 8 Distill (Watching the Swarm) 9:13
  • 9 Nine 2:28
  • 10 Origin 11:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata