Nightmares In The Waking State: Part I cover

Released 11 years ago this November

Nightmares In The Waking State: Part I

Solution .45 · 2015

59 min · 10 tracks · melodic death metal

An intricate fusion of melodic death metal and atmospheric elements, marked by haunting melodies and relentless rhythmic precision.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wanderer from the Fold — This opening track sets the tone with its blend of aggression and melody, establishing the album's thematic exploration of isolation and existential struggle.
  • →
    Bleed Heavens Dry — With its anthemic chorus and intricate guitar work, this track exemplifies the band's ability to balance heaviness with emotional depth, making it a standout moment.
  • →
    I, Nemesis — The album's climactic closer features extensive dynamic shifts and lyrical introspection, culminating in a powerful exploration of personal demons and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong production, making it a solid entry in the melodic death metal genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features complex song structures with frequent tempo changes, often shifting from melodic passages to aggressive sections.
  • Each track incorporates layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric soundscape, particularly in the choruses.
  • Several songs include extended instrumental sections that allow for dynamic shifts and build tension before returning to vocal lines.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 Wanderer from the Fold 5:18
  • 2 Perfecting the Void 5:31
  • 3 Bleed Heavens Dry 5:09
  • 4 Winning Where Losing Is All 5:58
  • 5 In Moments of Despair 6:24
  • 6 Second to None 5:10
  • 7 Targeting Blaze 4:56
  • 8 Alter (The Unbearable Weight of Nothing) 4:30
  • 9 Wield the Scepter 5:16
  • 10 I, Nemesis 11:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata