Nine Destinies and a Downfall
Sirenia · 2007
46 min · 10 tracks · gothic metal
Gothic melodies intertwine with symphonic arrangements and haunting vocals, creating a richly atmospheric soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Last Call — Opening with an orchestral swell, this track sets a dramatic tone for the album while highlighting the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic vocals.
-
→
Absent Without Leave — This song features a captivating chorus paired with lyrical themes of longing and absence, making it a standout emotional centerpiece of the album.
-
→
Downfall — The title track encapsulates the album's darker atmosphere, merging powerful instrumentation with haunting vocal delivery that exemplifies Sirenia's style at this time.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and production but remains somewhat conventional within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the last five introduce more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Haunting vocals are layered over symphonic arrangements, creating a dense atmosphere that shifts between melodic hooks and darker themes.
- Several tracks feature contrasting sections where heavy instrumentation gives way to softer passages, enhancing emotional impact.
- 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
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression with resolution
- haunting soundscapes for reflection
- ethereal vocals in immersive layers
- late-night introspective listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone single experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 23, 2007, Nine Destinies and a Downfall marked Sirenia's fourth studio album, following their successful release of An Elixir for Existence in 2004. At this point in their career, the band solidified their distinctive blend of gothic and symphonic metal while introducing new elements to their sound, including more pronounced orchestral arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Epica· Nightwish· Within Temptation
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Absent Without Leave
A poignant moment where the narrative shifts from reflective to accusatory, revealing deep feelings of betrayal.
This shift not only intensifies the emotional weight but also showcases a complexity in character dynamics absent from earlier verses.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Last Call 4:44
- 2 My Mind's Eye 3:38
- 3 One by One 5:30
- 4 Sundown 5:04
- 5 Absent Without Leave 4:54
- 6 The Other Side 3:55
- 7 Seven Keys and Nine Doors 4:55
- 8 Downfall 4:44
- 9 Glades of Summer 5:35
- 10 My Mind's Eye (radio edit) 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.