Otherness
Alexisonfire · 2022
50 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk
Melodic hardcore and emotional intensity intertwine, creating a soundscape that is both reflective and cathartic.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sweet Dreams of Otherness — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of introspection and surrealism, showcasing shifting dynamics between soft melodies and aggressive instrumentation.
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Survivor’s Guilt — Here, the lyrical content delves into themes of loss and responsibility, making it a poignant reflection on personal experiences within a broader societal context.
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Dark Night of the Soul — The song stands out for its atmospheric buildup and emotional climax, effectively conveying the struggles of despair contrasted with hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive and melodic elements effectively, though it doesn't fully break new ground in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build intensity with layered guitar riffs and dynamic shifts, while the fourth track introduces a softer, more melodic section.
- Several tracks feature alternating vocal styles between clean singing and harsh screams, creating a contrast that enhances emotional delivery.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier aggression.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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 exploration of resilience
- introspective melodies with intensity
- cathartic peaks and valleys
- thought-provoking themes throughout
- late-night reflection and contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid emotional depth and nuance
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 24, 2022, Otherness marks Alexisonfire's first album in over a decade since their self-titled release in 2010. At this point in their career, the band had reunited in 2021, reigniting their creative energies and exploring new sonic territories while staying true to their roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Used· Silverstein· Underoath
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Committed to the Con 4:01
- 2 Sweet Dreams of Otherness 4:44
- 3 Sans Soleil 5:04
- 4 Conditional Love 2:53
- 5 Blue Spade 5:31
- 6 Dark Night of the Soul 6:02
- 7 Mistaken Information 4:48
- 8 Survivor’s Guilt 4:52
- 9 Reverse the Curse 3:54
- 10 World Stops Turning 8:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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