What makes Neonism by Solefald notable?

Neonism received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and was recognized within the progressive metal scene for pushing genre boundaries. Its experimental nature has influenced subsequent artists seeking to blend metal with avant-garde and electronic elements, contributing to the diversification of the genre during the late '90s. Released in January 1999, Neonism was Solefald's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work, The Linear Scaffold. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a daring fusion of progressive metal with diverse influences, including electronic music and symphonic arrangements.

How many songs are on Neonism?

Neonism has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Neonism

Solefald · 1999

50 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde metal and electronic elements that challenges the boundaries of genre and structure.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Fluorescent (The Total Orchestra) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its orchestral layers and complex rhythms, establishing a foundation for the eclectic journey ahead.
→
Speed Increased to Scaffold — With its intricate tempo changes and shifting dynamics, this track exemplifies Solefald's ability to merge technical prowess with thematic depth.
→
Omnipolis — This track stands out for its haunting melodies intertwined with aggressive instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that encapsulates the album's overarching themes of urban alienation.
→
The New Timelessness — Closing out the album, this track brings together elements from earlier songs while introducing a reflective tone that echoes the album's exploration of contemporary issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Neonism blends genres with complex structures, showcasing a unique sound that stands out in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt shifts in tempo and style, with tracks transitioning from heavy metal riffs to electronic soundscapes within the same song.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats for more fluid arrangements.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Fluorescent (The Total Orchestra) 5:20
2 Speed Increased to Scaffold 8:27
3 CK II Chanel N°6 3:31
4 Proprietors of Red 6:33
5 A Motion Picture 1:55
6 Omnipolis 5:36
7 Backpacka Baba 5:24
8 Third Person Plural 4:03
9 04.34 PM 3:22
10 The New Timelessness 6:00

What to play next

Listen next

Pills Against the Ageless Ills

2001

Go back to

The Linear Scaffold

1997

Full Solefald discography Artists like Solefald

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata