What makes Nations to Flames by A Storm of Light notable?

Nations to Flames received critical acclaim, particularly for its intricate compositions and emotional depth. It solidified A Storm of Light's place in the post-metal genre and has influenced subsequent artists in the scene by pushing boundaries in heaviness and atmosphere. Released in 2013, Nations to Flames is A Storm of Light’s third album, following their 2011 release, As the Valley of Death Becomes Us. The band was gaining recognition within the post-metal scene, building on their earlier work while refining their sonic identity. This album followed a period of significant development for the group as they honed their style and expanded their thematic explorations.

How many songs are on Nations to Flames?

Nations to Flames has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Nations to Flames

A Storm of Light · 2013

51 min · 11 tracks · post-metal

Heavy, atmospheric soundscapes collide with haunting vocals and relentless rhythms, creating an immersive post-metal experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Apostles of Hatred — This track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and conflict through its intense dynamics and layered instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature sound.
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The Fire Sermon — With its brooding atmosphere and powerful lyrical imagery, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of existential themes and offers a striking emotional climax.
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You Are the Hunted — This song stands out with its relentless pace and haunting vocals, reflecting the album's overarching themes of survival and societal critique.

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

The album showcases intricate compositions and immersive soundscapes, solidifying its place in post-metal.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build intensity with layered guitar riffs and dynamic shifts, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued atmosphere with clean vocals.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric development, creating a sense of immersion.
The album closes with a lengthy track that gradually fades out, leaving an echoing resonance that contrasts with the earlier aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Fire Sermon

A shift occurs when the narrative voice transitions from external observation to an internal plea for redemption.

This structural change deepens the listener's engagement with the themes of despair and hope, highlighting the personal stakes amidst broader societal issues.

Tracklist

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

1 Fall 4:44
2 Apostles of Hatred 5:20
3 The Fire Sermon 4:27
4 Omen 3:58
5 Dead Flags 5:14
6 All the Shining Lies 5:49
7 Disintegrate 4:49
8 Lifeless 4:54
9 Soothsayer 1:53
10 You Are the Hunted 4:35
11 The Year Is One 5:49

What to play next

Listen next

Anthroscene

2018

Go back to

As the Valley of Death Becomes Us, Our Silver Memories Fade

2011

Full A Storm of Light discography Artists like A Storm of Light

post-metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata