Litany cover

Litany

Vader · 2000

30 min · 11 tracks · death metal

A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and guttural growls creates an atmosphere of haunting intensity and existential dread.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wings — The opening track showcases Vader's signature blend of speed and melody, setting a frenetic tone that encapsulates the album's overarching intensity.
  • →
    Cold Demons — This track features a compelling balance of aggressive riffs and atmospheric elements, highlighting Vader's ability to create tension and release.
  • →
    The Final Massacre — Closing with a powerful statement, this track combines relentless energy and dark lyrical themes, representing the culmination of the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Litany showcases complex songwriting and strong production, solidifying Vader's place in death metal.

What we noticed

  • The album features rapid tempo changes, with tracks alternating between blast beats and slower, more methodical sections.
  • Guitar riffs are often layered, creating a dense wall of sound that is complemented by deep growls and high-pitched screams.
  • Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast sharply with the aggressive instrumentation, enhancing the overall mood.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • dark atmosphere for introspection
  • pummeling riffs with haunting melodies
  • short tracks for quick engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking immediate gratification
  • prefer longer immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2000, Litany was Vader's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Black to the Blind from 1997. At this point in their career, Vader was solidifying their status within the death metal scene, showcasing their technical prowess while continuing to expand their thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Behemoth· Decapitated· Cryptopsy

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wings 3:10
  • 2 The One Made of Dreams 1:49
  • 3 Xeper 4:00
  • 4 Litany 3:01
  • 5 Cold Demons 3:12
  • 6 The Calling 3:10
  • 7 North 1:36
  • 8 Forwards to Die!!! 1:38
  • 9 A World of Hurt 1:51
  • 10 The World Made Flesh 2:48
  • 11 The Final Massacre 4:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata