What makes Heavy Pendulum by Cave In notable?

Heavy Pendulum received critical acclaim, with Pitchfork praising its blend of heaviness and melody, which helped it debut at number 9 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. The album is noted for its introspective lyrics and dynamic compositions that resonate within both the heavy music community and alternative rock audiences alike. Released on May 20, 2022, Heavy Pendulum marked Cave In's first studio album in over a decade, following their 2011 release, White Silence. This album sees the band returning to their roots while incorporating new influences, showcasing an evolution in their sound after a prolonged hiatus and lineup changes.

Who is Heavy Pendulum for?

Heavy Pendulum works well if you're into sprawling explorations of sound, cathartic moments of release and ethereal melodies with heavy riffs.

How many songs are on Heavy Pendulum?

Heavy Pendulum has 14 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Heavy Pendulum

Cave In · 2022

70 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

Heavy Pendulum fuses crushing riffs with atmospheric melodies, capturing a spectrum of emotions from despair to hope.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blood Spiller — This track exemplifies the band's ability to merge aggressive instrumentation with haunting melodies, encapsulating the emotional weight of the album.
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Heavy Pendulum — The title track serves as a centerpiece, blending intricate guitar work with contemplative lyrics that reflect on themes of existence and transition.
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Wavering Angel — A sprawling closer that fully showcases the band's range, this track combines expansive soundscapes with profound lyrical depth, leaving a lasting impact.

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

Heavy Pendulum blends heavy riffs with atmospheric melodies, showcasing solid songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a heavy, aggressive sound with dense guitar riffs before transitioning into more melodic elements in the fourth track.
The album features interludes like 'Pendulambient' that provide atmospheric breaks between heavier songs, altering the pacing throughout.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, introspective verses to explosive choruses, enhancing emotional impact.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

sprawling explorations of sound
cathartic moments of release
ethereal melodies with heavy riffs
dark themes with uplifting contrasts
patient unfolding of narratives

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on May 20, 2022, Heavy Pendulum marked Cave In's first studio album in over a decade, following their 2011 release, White Silence. This album sees the band returning to their roots while incorporating new influences, showcasing an evolution in their sound after a prolonged hiatus and lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: Isis· Pelican· Mastodon