Live at Roadburn 2008 cover

Live at Roadburn 2008

Year of No Light · 2009

59 min · 8 tracks · post-metal

An immersive blend of heavy drone and atmospheric soundscapes that envelops the listener in a sonic abyss.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cimmeria — With its sprawling build-up and haunting melodies, Cimmeria exemplifies the band's ability to create tension and release, making it a standout piece in their live set.
  • →
    Metanoia — The track features complex rhythms and layered textures that showcase the band's mastery of dynamics, highlighting their unique approach to post-metal.
  • →
    Les Mains de l’empereur — Clocking in at over eleven minutes, this track immerses listeners in an expansive sound journey that encapsulates the essence of their live energy and artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album excels in creating an immersive atmosphere through its extended compositions and seamless transitions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lengthy track of audience noise and drones, setting a meditative tone that persists throughout.
  • Each track features extended instrumental sections, often building layers of sound that create a dense atmosphere.
  • The transitions between tracks are seamless, with no breaks, enhancing the immersive experience.
  • The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of space.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • immersive soundscapes for deep listening
  • cathartic release through heaviness
  • long-form tracks with evolving intensity
  • for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, catchy tunes
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Live at Roadburn 2008 captures Year of No Light during a pivotal phase as they were establishing themselves within the post-metal scene. Following their acclaimed album Nord, this live recording showcases their evolving sound and musical intensity, solidifying their reputation for powerful live performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Neurosis· Cult of Luna· Isis

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Audience Noise / Drones 1:08
  • 2 Tu as fait de moi un homme meilleur 4:46
  • 3 Cimmeria 5:12
  • 4 Traversée 8:14
  • 5 Metanoia 8:50
  • 6 L’Angoisse du veilleur de nuit d’autoroute 3:51
  • 7 Les Mains de l’empereur 11:52
  • 8 The Golden Horn of the Moon 16:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata