Invisible Lantern
Screaming Trees · 1988
41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A swirling blend of gritty guitar riffs and haunting melodies, echoing the essence of late '80s alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Ivy — Opening with a raw energy, Ivy encapsulates the band's signature blend of melodic hooks and gritty instrumentation while showcasing Mark Lanegan's haunting vocals.
-
→
Shadow Song — This track stands out with its atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, marking a pivotal moment in the album's emotional narrative.
-
→
Invisible Lantern — The title track delivers a powerful fusion of lyrical imagery and dynamic shifts in instrumentation, reflecting the band's artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and distinct sound but lacks some cohesion in pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a gritty tone, followed by a sequence of songs that gradually increase in intensity before tapering off towards the end.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar work that creates a swirling soundscape, particularly evident in 'Grey Diamond Desert' and 'Invisible Lantern'.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and existentialism, with verses often reflecting a haunting quality that complements the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective melodies for solitude
- haunting soundscapes for deep thought
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 12, 1988, Invisible Lantern is Screaming Trees' second studio album, following their debut, Even If and Especially When. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to establish their sound within the burgeoning grunge scene, setting the stage for future success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Stone Temple Pilots
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ivy 3:19
- 2 Walk Through to This Side 2:35
- 3 Lines & Circles 3:46
- 4 She Knows 2:17
- 5 Shadow Song 4:19
- 6 Grey Diamond Desert 4:25
- 7 Smokerings 3:45
- 8 The Second I Awake 3:02
- 9 Invisible Lantern 3:04
- 10 Even If 3:50
- 11 Direction of the Sun 2:56
- 12 Night Comes Creeping 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.