Hermitage
Moonspell · 2021
52 min · 10 tracks · gothic metal
Dark, atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing Moonspell's gothic metal evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Greater Good Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric build-up and introspective lyrics that explore themes of sacrifice and morality.
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Hermitage — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes, blending melodic elements with a somber reflection on solitude and self-discovery.
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Entitlement — A standout for its heavier instrumentation and provocative lyrics, this track tackles issues of privilege and societal expectations, showcasing the band's lyrical boldness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong atmospheric compositions with dynamic shifts, enhancing its cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'The Greater Good', layering atmospheric guitars and synths before introducing vocals.
- Tracks often feature shifts in dynamics, such as 'Entitlement', which alternates between heavy riffs and softer, melodic passages.
- Several songs incorporate choral elements and spoken word sections, adding to the gothic atmosphere and depth of the sound.
- The final track, 'City Quitter', serves as an outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- atmospheric journey through darkness
- introspective moments for reflection
- dynamic flow of emotion
- ideal for evening contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic maturation and depth in a later stage of the band's career.
- Themes
- solitude and self-discovery· sacrifice and morality· societal privilege critique
- Career context
- Released in 2021, Hermitage is Moonspell's eleventh studio album, following 2017's 1755. This album represents a period of reflection and artistic maturation, as the band delves deeper into personal themes and sonic experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paradise Lost· Type O Negative· My Dying Bride
Tracklist
- 1 The Greater Good Start here 5:04
- 2 Common Prayers 4:09
- 3 All or Nothing 7:22
- 4 Hermitage 4:43
- 5 Entitlement 6:16
- 6 Solitarian 4:07
- 7 The Hermit Saints 4:22
- 8 Apophthegmata 5:42
- 9 Without Rule 7:42
- 10 City Quitter (outro) 3:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light
Swallow the Sun
Shares dark atmospheric soundscapes with introspective themes of loss and existential reflection.
Obsidian
Paradise Lost
Explores similar themes of solitude and inner turmoil through a gothic metal lens with haunting melodies.
The Ghost of Orion
My Dying Bride
Delivers a blend of melancholy and atmospheric depth, focusing on personal struggles and dark romance.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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