What makes Pelican by Pelican notable?

The album received critical acclaim, helping to solidify Pelican's place within the post-metal genre. It has been noted for its influence on subsequent artists in the instrumental metal scene, showcasing how heavy music can convey emotional depth without lyrics. Released in 2003, Pelican's self-titled EP marked their first significant foray into the post-metal genre after their initial formation in 2001. This debut set the stage for their unique blend of instrumental rock and metal, establishing them as key players in the burgeoning post-metal scene.

How many songs are on Pelican?

Pelican has 4 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Pelican

Pelican · 2003

29 min · 4 tracks · post-metal

A sprawling exploration of heavy instrumentation and atmospheric soundscapes that defy traditional song structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mammoth — This track exemplifies Pelican's ability to merge crushing heaviness with melodic passages, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of their sound.
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Forecast for Today — With its intricate dynamics and evolving structure, this piece highlights the band's knack for building tension, making it a standout representation of their atmospheric approach.
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The Woods — As the longest track on the EP, it showcases Pelican's capacity for expansive soundscapes while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout its duration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases strong instrumental composition and craft, establishing Pelican's distinct sound in post-metal.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Pulse', opens with a slow build of layered guitars that gradually intensify over its duration.
Each track features extended instrumental passages, often exceeding five minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.

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: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Pulse 4:01
2 Mammoth 4:57
3 Forecast for Today 7:29
4 The Woods 12:57

What to play next

Listen next

The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw

2005

Go back to

Australasia

2003

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata