What makes Nocturnal Masquerade by Toothgrinder notable?

'Nocturnal Masquerade' received critical acclaim, with notable mentions in outlets like Metal Injection and Revolver. Its blend of heavy music with melodic elements helped it chart on various platforms, marking a significant step in the band's evolution within the progressive metal scene. Released on January 1, 2016, 'Nocturnal Masquerade' is Toothgrinder's sophomore album, following their debut 'Nocturnal Masquerade' in 2013. At this point in their career, the band was refining their sound and expanding their audience after gaining attention with their previous efforts. This album showcases a more mature approach to songwriting and production.

How many songs are on Nocturnal Masquerade?

Nocturnal Masquerade has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Nocturnal Masquerade

Toothgrinder · 2016

42 min · 12 tracks

A dynamic fusion of progressive metal and atmospheric rock, where intricate instrumentation meets emotive vocal performances.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The House (That Fear Built) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intense riffs and haunting melodies, showcasing the band's ability to merge heaviness with atmosphere.
→
Lace & Anchor — With its engaging hooks and intricate guitar work, this track exemplifies Toothgrinder's knack for balancing aggression and accessibility, making it a standout moment.
→
Schizophrenic Jubilee — This song delivers an unpredictable structure and genre-blurring elements that capture the band's adventurous spirit and creative ambition.

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 strong songwriting and production, blending heavy and melodic elements effectively.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that blend heavy guitar riffs with melodic choruses, while the second half shifts towards more atmospheric and experimental soundscapes.
Vocal delivery alternates between clean singing and harsh screams, enhancing the emotional intensity of the music.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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 The House (That Fear Built) 3:52
2 Lace & Anchor 3:50
3 Coeur d’Alene 3:00
4 I Lie in Rain 2:59
5 Blue 4:29
6 The Hour Angle 3:35
7 Dance of Damsels 3:07
8 Diamonds for Gold 3:29
9 Nocturnal Masquerade 2:42
10 Dejection / Despondency 3:26
11 Schizophrenic Jubilee 3:23
12 Waltz of Madmen 4:08

What to play next

Listen next

Phantom Amour

2017

Full Toothgrinder discography Artists like Toothgrinder

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata