Layers of Lies cover

Layers of Lies

Darkane · 2005

42 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal

Aggressive melodic death metal interweaves intricate guitar work with relentless rhythms, creating a dense and immersive sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Layers of Lies — The title track stands out for its haunting melodies paired with aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating the thematic essence of deception and disillusionment present throughout the album.
  • →
    Vision of Degradation — This track features intricate guitar harmonies and dynamic tempo shifts that exemplify Darkane's technical skill, while lyrically delving into themes of societal decay.
  • →
    Godforsaken Universe — With its crushing riffs and relentless energy, this song represents the band's thrash influences, making it a standout for both its intensity and lyrical exploration of existential despair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic shifts, solidifying its place in the melodic death metal genre.

What we noticed

  • Vocals alternate between harsh growls and melodic singing, enhancing the dynamic range across tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that transition from fast-paced sections to slower, more atmospheric interludes.
  • The last three tracks maintain a consistent thematic focus on existential themes, culminating in an intense finale.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, 'Layers of Lies' is Darkane's fourth studio album, following their acclaimed record 'Expanding Senses' from 2002. This album marked a period of solidifying their signature sound within the Swedish melodic death metal scene, showcasing their technical prowess and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Soilwork· In Flames· Arch Enemy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Vision of Degradation

    A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift to directly confront societal issues, challenging the status quo with stark imagery.

    This direct address breaks from more abstract themes elsewhere in the album, creating a jarring impact that emphasizes urgency in its critique.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Amnesia of the Wildoerian Apocalypse 1:42
  • 2 Secondary Effects 3:55
  • 3 Organic Canvas 4:30
  • 4 Fading Dimensions 4:19
  • 5 Layers of Lies 4:17
  • 6 Godforsaken Universe 4:05
  • 7 Klastrophobic Hibernation 0:36
  • 8 Vision of Degradation 4:37
  • 9 Contaminated 3:38
  • 10 Maelstrom Crisis 2:40
  • 11 Decadent Messiah 3:54
  • 12 The Creation Insane 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata