In Defiance of Existence
Old Man's Child · 2003
39 min · 9 tracks · black metal
A relentless barrage of blast beats and haunting melodies encapsulates the bleakness of existence in a dark symphony of black metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Felonies of the Christian Art — This track opens the album with ferocious intensity, setting a tone that blends melodic intricacies with raw aggression, showcasing the band's signature style.
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Agony of Fallen Grace — A compelling exploration of despair, this track features intricate guitar work and atmospheric elements that exemplify the album's thematic depth and musical complexity.
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In Defiance of Existence — The title track embodies the album's core themes and contrasts brutal riffs with haunting melodies, encapsulating the band's unique ability to create an immersive listening experience.
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Life Deprived — Closing out the album, this track combines relentless energy with poignant lyrical content, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of existential reflection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodic elements within a relentless black metal framework, appealing to genre fans.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of blast beats throughout, with melodic guitar lines weaving in and out of the aggressive drumming.
- Each track maintains a similar tempo, creating a relentless pace that rarely lets up until the final song.
- Several tracks incorporate symphonic elements, adding layers of atmosphere that contrast with the harshness of the vocals.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- relentless energy for focus
- haunting melodies for introspection
- cathartic release through intensity
- dark themes for deep reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted, upbeat sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In Defiance of Existence is Old Man's Child's fifth studio album, released after their notable work, The Pagan Prosperity. By this time, the band was solidifying its presence in the black metal scene, building upon their established sound while pushing creative boundaries. This album came at a crucial point when black metal was evolving and diversifying, reflecting the band's artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dimmu Borgir· Emperor· Cradle of Filth
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Felonies of the Christian Art 5:48
- 2 Agony of Fallen Grace 4:28
- 3 Black Seeds on Virgin Soil 4:57
- 4 In Defiance of Existence 4:56
- 5 Sacrifice of Vengeance 4:31
- 6 The Soul Receiver 4:31
- 7 In Quest of Enigmatic Dreams 0:52
- 8 The Underworld Domains 4:48
- 9 Life Deprived 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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