Pitfalls cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Pitfalls

Leprous · 2019

55 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A haunting blend of progressive rock and metal that weaves intricate melodies with emotional depth and vulnerability.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Lose Hope — This track exemplifies the album's emotional core, blending somber lyrics with an ethereal sonic landscape that captures the feeling of despair and introspection.
  • →
    By My Throne — With its complex structure and powerful vocal delivery, this song illustrates the band’s mastery of dynamics and showcases their ability to merge heavy instrumentation with intimate moments.
  • →
    The Sky Is Red — Spanning over eleven minutes, this closing track is a grand statement piece that encapsulates the thematic depth of the album while experimenting with progressive elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate compositions with emotional themes, showcasing Leprous' evolution while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, culminating in the climactic 'By My Throne', while the second half shifts to more subdued and introspective pieces.
  • Vocals often alternate between soaring melodies and more spoken or whispered passages, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • haunting melodies for introspective moments
  • cathartic release through dynamic shifts
  • engaging narrative across all tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone, catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 25, 2019, Pitfalls marks Leprous' fifth studio album and showcases their evolution into a more melodic and introspective sound. Following their critically acclaimed album Malina, this release reflects the band's willingness to explore new musical territories while maintaining their progressive roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Between the Buried and Me· Haken· Tesseract

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Lose Hope

    The shift from reflective verses to a soaring chorus reveals a deepening sense of vulnerability amid personal struggle.

    This contrast not only heightens emotional impact but also mirrors the turbulent journey of grappling with loss and hope.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Below 5:53
  • 2 I Lose Hope 4:44
  • 3 Observe the Train 5:08
  • 4 By My Throne 5:45
  • 5 Alleviate 3:42
  • 6 At the Bottom 7:21

Disc 2

  • 1 Distant Bells 7:23
  • 2 Foreigner 3:52
  • 3 The Sky Is Red 11:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata