Morning Star cover

Morning Star

Entombed · 2001

36 min · 12 tracks · death metal

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and guttural vocals interwoven with dark, atmospheric melodies and moments of introspective reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chief Rebel Angel — Opening with ferocious energy, this track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of rebellion and despair while showcasing intricate guitar work that foreshadows the melodic direction of the record.
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    Bringer of Light — This song combines aggressive instrumentation with haunting melodies, highlighting the band's ability to balance brutality with emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Year One Now — At just under two minutes long, this track delivers an intense burst of energy that reflects the chaotic themes present throughout the album, serving as a pivotal moment in its pacing.
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    I for an Eye — With its driving rhythm and confrontational lyrics, this track exemplifies Entombed's raw power while addressing themes of vengeance and existential struggle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album combines heavy riffs with melodic elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive tempos and heavy guitar riffs, while the fourth introduces a slower, more atmospheric section that contrasts with the preceding intensity.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar harmonies that add depth to the overall sound, particularly in the choruses.
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 6/10

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

  • gritty emotional intensity
  • focused listening experience
  • melodic undertones of despair

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer longer immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Morning Star is Entombed's fifth studio album, released in 2001, during a period when the band was exploring new sonic territories following their influential 1993 release, Wolverine Blues. This album marked a shift as they began integrating more melodic elements into their signature death metal sound, showcasing an evolution in their style amidst lineup changes and a growing desire to push creative boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Dismember· At the Gates· Carcass

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Chief Rebel Angel 4:40
  • 2 I for an Eye 3:07
  • 3 Bringer of Light 4:02
  • 4 Ensemble of the Restless 2:35
  • 5 Out of Heaven 3:35
  • 6 Young Man Nihilist 2:43
  • 7 Year One Now 1:54
  • 8 Fractures 3:33
  • 9 When It Hits Home 2:22
  • 10 City of Ghosts 2:32
  • 11 About to Die 2:12
  • 12 Mental Twin 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata