Phenotype cover

Released 10 years ago

Phenotype

Textures · 2016

43 min · 9 tracks · death metal

Complex rhythms and soaring melodies intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of sound that challenges and captivates the listener.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Oceans Collide — Opening with a powerful blend of intricate guitar work and melodic vocals, this track sets the tone for the entire album, showcasing Textures’ signature sound.
  • →
    Illuminate the Trail — This track features dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and ethereal passages, highlighting the band's ability to create emotional depth through contrasting textures.
  • →
    Erosion — With its relentless pace and complex rhythms, 'Erosion' exemplifies Textures’ mathematical approach to songwriting while delivering an intense listening experience.
  • →
    Timeless — 'Timeless' encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of existence and change, intertwining philosophical lyrics with powerful instrumentals that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Textures' 'Phenotype' showcases complex compositions and dynamic contrasts, solidifying their place in progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • Vocals alternate between harsh growls and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that provide a breather before returning to heavier sections, such as in 'Illuminate the Trail'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Illuminate the Trail

    The moment shifts from serene introspection to a powerful declaration about forging one's path in life.

    This contrast not only emphasizes personal agency but also mirrors the musical transitions within the track, enhancing its overall impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Oceans Collide 6:04
  • 2 New Horizons 4:51
  • 3 Shaping a Single Grain of Sand 4:20
  • 4 Illuminate the Trail 7:15
  • 5 Meander 1:38
  • 6 Erosion 4:34
  • 7 The Fourth Prime 7:06
  • 8 ZMan 3:20
  • 9 Timeless 4:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata