Released 10 years ago
Mariner
Cult of Luna · 2016
66 min · 6 tracks · post-metal
A sprawling journey through heavy soundscapes and ethereal melodies, merging post-metal intensity with cosmic themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Greater Call — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its gradual build-up, combining haunting melodies and heavy instrumentation that encapsulates the overarching themes of exploration and introspection.
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Cygnus — This lengthy composition stands out for its intricate layering of sound, showcasing both aggressive riffs and serene passages that mirror the duality of chaos and tranquility present throughout the album.
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Beyond the Redshift — The closing track serves as an epic finale, blending atmospheric soundscapes with climactic crescendos that effectively encapsulate the album's exploration of cosmic themes and human experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's expansive soundscapes and intricate layering create a compelling post-metal experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long, immersive tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric shifts.
- Each track incorporates layered instrumentation, with heavy guitar riffs contrasted by ethereal synths and ambient soundscapes.
- Vocals are used sparingly and often serve as an additional texture rather than a focal point, blending into the overall sonic landscape.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- sprawling journeys through soundscapes
- cathartic moments of heavy intensity
- immersive cosmic thematic exploration
- patient builds and expansive crescendos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- want upbeat and fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Mariner is Cult of Luna's sixth studio album, released after their acclaimed record Vertikal in 2013. By this time, the band had established themselves as a leading force in post-metal, blending atmospheric elements with crushing heaviness. The album marks a continued evolution of their sound, showcasing their willingness to experiment with longer compositions and thematic depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Greater Call 8:19
- 2 Chevron 8:53
- 3 The Wreck of S.S. Needle 9:33
- 4 Approaching Transition 12:59
- 5 Cygnus 14:50
- 6 Beyond the Redshift 11:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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