What makes Nightmares in the Waking State: Part II by Solution .45 notable?

Nightmares in the Waking State: Part II received positive critical reception, noted for its intricate compositions and emotional depth within the melodic death metal scene. The album's release helped reinvigorate interest in the band, paving the way for renewed engagement with both fans and critics alike. Released on August 26, 2016, this album marked Solution .45's return after a six-year hiatus following their debut 'For Aeons Past.' Positioned as their second full-length album, it showcases a matured sound while retaining the band's signature melodic intensity, reflecting their evolution in the metal genre.

How many songs are on Nightmares in the Waking State: Part II?

Nightmares in the Waking State: Part II has 10 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Nightmares in the Waking State: Part II

Solution .45 · 2016

53 min · 10 tracks · melodic death metal

A relentless fusion of melodic death metal and atmospheric soundscapes creates a haunting yet powerful listening experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dim Are the Pathways — This opening track sets an atmospheric tone that intertwines heavy riffs with melodic elements, establishing the album’s thematic foundation of inner turmoil.
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The Curse That Keeps on Giving — With its dynamic shifts and evocative lyrics, this track encapsulates the struggle between hope and despair while showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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Heavy Lies the Crown — This closing track delivers an emotional climax through its haunting melodies and lyrical introspection, effectively summarizing the album’s exploration of existential themes.

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 features intricate compositions and dynamic contrasts, showcasing a mature sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered guitar harmonies and rapid drumming, establishing a high-energy atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast with the heavier sections, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
The use of clean and harsh vocals alternates throughout the record, allowing for varied emotional expression within the songs.
The final track concludes with a slow build-up that culminates in an expansive instrumental outro, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.

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 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Misery Mantra

A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative voice confronts internal demons directly, blending vulnerability with an aggressive sonic backdrop.

This direct confrontation marks a shift in tone that contrasts with earlier tracks, emphasizing a deeper psychological exploration at this point in the album.

Tracklist

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

1 Dim Are the Pathways 2:52
2 The Faint Pulse of Light 4:32
3 Mind Mutation 6:47
4 Built on Sand 7:22
5 Inescapable Dream 4:12
6 The Curse That Keeps on Giving 6:17
7 Chain Connector 4:25
8 What Turns the Wheels 5:24
9 Misery Mantra 5:59
10 Heavy Lies the Crown 5:51

What to play next

Go back to

Nightmares In The Waking State: Part I

2015

Full Solution .45 discography Artists like Solution .45

melodic death metal

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