What makes Of Breath and Bone by Be'lakor notable?

The album received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, earning high praise for its ambitious songwriting and production quality. It solidified Be'lakor's reputation within the genre, often cited as a significant influence on subsequent melodic death metal acts. Of Breath and Bone is Be'lakor's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Stone's Reach, in 2009. At this point, the band had established themselves as key players in the melodic death metal scene, showcasing their evolving sound and complex compositions.

Who is Of Breath and Bone for?

Of Breath and Bone works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual build, profound emotional depth throughout and immersive journey of reflection.

How many songs are on Of Breath and Bone?

Of Breath and Bone has 8 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Of Breath and Bone

Be'lakor · 2012

56 min · 8 tracks · melodic death metal

Epic melodic death metal intertwines intricate guitar work and atmospheric passages, creating a sprawling soundscape that is both heavy and immersive.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Abeyance — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its grandiose melodies and intricate rhythms, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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In Parting — With its emotive lyrics and dynamic progression, this track showcases the band's ability to blend heaviness with melody seamlessly.
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The Dream and the Waking — A standout piece that beautifully juxtaposes serene passages with intense sections, highlighting the band's musical versatility and depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong production, solidifying its place in melodic death metal.

What we noticed

The album features extended track lengths, with four songs exceeding seven minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and thematic development.
Guitar melodies often intertwine with atmospheric keyboards, creating a layered sound that shifts between heavy riffs and softer passages.
The vocal delivery alternates between growls and clean singing, enhancing the dynamic range and emotional impact of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with gradual build
profound emotional depth throughout
immersive journey of reflection
cathartic release in long tracks

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, standalone songs
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Of Breath and Bone is Be'lakor's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Stone's Reach, in 2009. At this point, the band had established themselves as key players in the melodic death metal scene, showcasing their evolving sound and complex compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Insomnium· Omnium Gatherum· Dark Tranquillity

Tracklist

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

1 Abeyance 8:04
2 Remnants 6:14
3 Fraught 6:46
4 Absit Omen 6:06
5 To Stir the Sea 1:29
6 In Parting 9:21
7 The Dream and the Waking 9:17
8 By Moon and Star 8:58

What to play next

Listen next

Vessels

2016

Go back to

Stone's Reach

2009

Full Be'lakor discography Artists like Be'lakor

melodic death metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata