What makes No by Old Man Gloom notable?

No received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the sludge metal genre, described as both accessible and avant-garde. The album's ambitious structure and thematic depth contributed to its influence on contemporary heavy music, inspiring a new generation of post-metal bands. Released in early 2012, No is Old Man Gloom's fifth studio album, following 2004's Christmas. At this time, the band was solidifying their reputation within the post-metal and sludge scenes, expanding their sonic palette while retaining their signature heaviness.

How many songs are on No?

No has 9 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

No

Old Man Gloom · 2012

56 min · 9 tracks · sludge metal

A harrowing blend of crushing riffs and atmospheric soundscapes envelops listeners in a dark, immersive experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Common Species — This track stands out for its juxtaposition of intense aggression with haunting melodies, encapsulating the album's exploration of existential themes.
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Shadowed Hand — The lengthy composition allows for an expansive emotional journey, showcasing the band's ability to craft atmospheres that evoke both despair and reflection.
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Shuddering Earth — As the longest track on the album, it serves as a climax, merging intricate instrumentation with powerful dynamics that emphasize the overarching narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious structure and atmospheric depth contribute to its strong presence in the sludge metal genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with most exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that build atmosphere.
Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, transitioning from slow, heavy riffs to faster, chaotic sections.
The use of layered guitar effects creates a dense soundscape that often obscures traditional song structures in favor of immersive textures.

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: 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Grand Inversion 2:24
2 Common Species 7:58
3 Regain/Rejoin 2:31
4 To Carry the Flame 4:31
5 The Forking Path 4:12
6 Shadowed Hand 8:11
7 Rats 8:09
8 Crescent 4:24
9 Shuddering Earth 14:03

What to play next

Listen next

The Ape of God / The Ape of God

2014

Go back to

Christmas

2004

Full Old Man Gloom discography Artists like Old Man Gloom

post-metal sludge metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata