Of Seismic Consequence cover

Of Seismic Consequence

Yakuza · 2010

51 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A fusion of progressive metal and world music that envelops the listener in complex rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Be That as It May — This track stands out for its intricate structure that balances aggressive instrumentation with melodic interludes, showcasing Yakuza's signature blend of heaviness and nuance.
  • →
    Farewell to the Flesh — Spanning over eleven minutes, this composition exemplifies the band's ability to craft an epic narrative through shifting dynamics and atmospheric layers, inviting deep engagement from the listener.
  • →
    Thinning the Herd — With its tight rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of existential themes while maintaining an energetic drive that propels it forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Yakuza's blend of progressive metal and world music creates a distinct sound, though the album's cohesion dips at times.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate traditional world music instruments, blending them seamlessly with electric guitar and drums.
  • The use of dynamic contrasts is prevalent, with sudden shifts from quiet, atmospheric passages to intense, heavy sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • complex rhythms that challenge perception
  • cathartic exploration of emotional landscapes
  • dynamic shifts in pacing and
  • immersive soundscapes for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Of Seismic Consequence is Yakuza's fourth studio album, released in 2010 after a four-year hiatus following their previous record, Transmutations. At this point in their career, they were exploring deeper experimental sounds while solidifying their unique blend of genres, marking a significant evolution in their artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors
Mastodon· Opeth· The Ocean

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Ant People 3:43
  • 2 Thinning the Herd 3:31
  • 3 Stones and Bones 5:34
  • 4 Be That as It May 8:05
  • 5 Farewell to the Flesh 11:06
  • 6 Testing the Waters 6:21
  • 7 Good Riddance (The Knuckle Walkers) 2:53
  • 8 The Great War 2:38
  • 9 Deluge 7:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata