Released 5 years ago this October
Illusory Walls
The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die · 2021
70 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A sprawling exploration of existential dread, merging intricate instrumentation with introspective lyrics across a dynamic emo landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Invading the World of the Guilty as a Spirit of Vengeance — This track encapsulates the album's blend of heavy themes and intricate musicianship, featuring layered melodies that enhance its emotional weight.
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Infinite Josh — At over 15 minutes long, this centerpiece track defies conventional structure, allowing for an immersive journey through shifting dynamics and lyrical introspection.
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Died in the Prison of the Holy Office — This song stands out for its haunting narrative and atmospheric build-up, effectively combining despair with a sense of urgency in its delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate arrangements and thematic depth contribute to its strong artistic expression.
What we noticed
- The album features lengthy tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and dynamic shifts in instrumentation.
- Multiple tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a dense sonic texture.
- The sequencing alternates between more aggressive and introspective moments, with the final track providing a reflective conclusion to the album's themes.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- sprawling exploration of existential themes
- patient unfolding with rich layers
- headphone detail hunting for nuances
- late-night introspection and reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of quick gratification
- prefer straightforward, catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Illusory Walls' was released in October 2021, The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die was navigating a significant evolution in their sound, following their 2017 album 'Always Foreign'. This release marked their first foray into a more expansive and ambitious songwriting approach, showcasing a willingness to experiment with longer track lengths and complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tigers Jaw· Pianos Become the Teeth· The Hotelier
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Afraid to Die 3:09
- 2 Queen Sophie for President 3:29
- 3 Invading the World of the Guilty as a Spirit of Vengeance 5:50
- 4 Blank / Drone 1:40
- 5 We Saw Birds Through the Hole in the Ceiling 3:35
- 6 Died in the Prison of the Holy Office 6:48
- 7 Your Brain Is a Rubbermaid 3:03
- 8 Blank / Worker 2:46
- 9 Trouble 4:42
- 10 Infinite Josh 15:39
- 11 Fewer Afraid 19:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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