iv cover

iv

Hiroyuki Sawano · 2021

58 min · 16 tracks · electronic music

A cinematic blend of electronic soundscapes and orchestral elements that evokes intense emotional journeys.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    FLAW(LESS) — This track features intricate rhythms coupled with soaring melodies, epitomizing the album’s balance between electronic precision and orchestral depth.
  • →
    N0VA — With its dynamic build-ups and powerful crescendos, N0VA represents the dramatic flair that Sawano is renowned for in both anime and original compositions.
  • →
    CRY — This piece captures a haunting vocal performance layered over electronic textures, showcasing the emotional core that runs throughout the album.
  • →
    Till I — The track blends ethereal vocals with driving beats, embodying the thematic exploration of longing and resilience present in 'iv'.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends orchestral and electronic elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of orchestral strings layered over electronic beats, creating a cinematic atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in intensity, with moments of quiet reflection followed by climactic buildups.
  • The first half of the album maintains a faster tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more ambient pieces that allow for emotional release.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • intense emotional crescendos throughout
  • immersive soundscapes for focus
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • epic build-ups for cinematic moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, simple melodies
  • prefering constant, uniform tempos

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2021, 'iv' is Hiroyuki Sawano's fourth studio album and marks a significant evolution in his sound. Following his acclaimed work on anime soundtracks like 'Attack on Titan', this album showcases a more personal and experimental approach, reflecting his growth as a composer.
Stylistic neighbors
Yuki Kajiura· Kevin Penkin· Hiroshi Yoshimura

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 IV 1:25
  • 2 FLAW(LESS) 4:00
  • 3 FAVE 3:53
  • 4 Chaos Drifters 3:49
  • 5 N0VA 3:41
  • 6 Tranquility 4:43
  • 7 time 3:58
  • 8 Trollz 3:28
  • 9 Till I 4:41
  • 10 Felidae <iv‐ver.> 3:08
  • 11 CRY 4:25
  • 12 膏 3:57
  • 13 OUT OF “iv” 1:36
  • 14 Barricades <MODv> 3:40
  • 15 Keep on keeping on <MODv> 3:44
  • 16 NEXUS <PODv> 3:47

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata