What makes Plains of Oblivion by Jeff Loomis notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its complex compositions and technical proficiency, helping to solidify Loomis's status as a leading figure in the progressive metal scene. Notably, it debuted at number 28 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, indicating a strong reception within the niche metal community. 'Plains of Oblivion' is Jeff Loomis's second solo album, following his 2008 debut 'Zero Order Phase.' Released after his tenure with Nevermore, this album marks Loomis's transition into a fully independent artist, showcasing a matured sound that blends progressive metal elements with his signature thrash roots.

How many songs are on Plains of Oblivion?

Plains of Oblivion has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Plains of Oblivion

Jeff Loomis · 2012

47 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

Technical virtuosity meets melodic depth in a relentless barrage of intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mercurial — Opening with intricate guitar harmonies, this track sets the tone for the album's blend of aggression and melody, highlighting Loomis's technical prowess.
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Tragedy and Harmony — This track showcases emotional depth through its contrasting sections, balancing heavy riffs with soaring melodies that reflect Loomis's compositional skills.
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Surrender — With its dynamic shifts and engaging solos, 'Surrender' encapsulates the album’s exploration of tension and resolution, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and technical skill, though it has a mixed flow and may not appeal to all listeners over time.

What we noticed

Guitar solos are prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that create a dense soundscape, especially in 'Rapture' and 'Surrender'.
Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that shift the mood before returning to heavier sections, such as the transition in 'Tragedy and Harmony'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Mercurial 5:31
2 The Ultimatum 4:41
3 Escape Velocity 4:31
4 Tragedy and Harmony 5:01
5 Requiem for the Living 4:52
6 Continuum Drift 5:38
7 Surrender 5:30
8 Chosen Time 4:33
9 Rapture 2:44
10 Sibylline Origin 4:36

What to play next

Listen next

Requiem for the Living

2013

Go back to

Zero Order Phase

2008

Full Jeff Loomis discography Artists like Jeff Loomis

thrash metal

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