What makes Portal of I by Ne Obliviscaris notable?

Portal of I received critical acclaim upon its release, earning a place in various year-end lists and establishing Ne Obliviscaris as a noteworthy force in progressive metal. The album's unique blend of styles and ambitious compositions garnered attention from both fans and critics, helping to elevate the band's profile internationally. Released on May 8, 2012, Portal of I is Ne Obliviscaris's debut full-length album following their earlier EP, The Aurora Veil. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves within the progressive metal scene, merging diverse influences to create a distinctive sound that would set the tone for their future work.

How many songs are on Portal of I?

Portal of I has 7 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Portal of I

Ne Obliviscaris · 2012

71 min · 7 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling journey of progressive metal that intertwines intricate melodies with sweeping orchestral elements and ferocious intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tapestry of the Starless Abstract — The opening track features an elaborate structure that showcases the band's technical prowess while introducing listeners to their complex soundscape.
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Xenoflux — This track combines aggressive riffs with melodic interludes, illustrating the seamless transitions that define Ne Obliviscaris's musical identity.
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Of the Leper Butterflies — With its haunting atmosphere and emotive vocals, this track encapsulates the band's ability to blend beauty with heaviness effectively.
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As Icicles Fall — This piece stands out for its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, representing the band's innovative approach to composition within the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements typical of progressive metal.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with five of the seven exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and thematic development.
Orchestral elements are woven throughout the instrumentation, enhancing the atmospheric quality without overshadowing the metal components.

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

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 Tapestry of the Starless Abstract 12:01
2 Xenoflux 10:01
3 Of the Leper Butterflies 5:52
4 Forget Not 12:04
5 And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope 11:35
6 As Icicles Fall 9:24
7 Of Petrichor Weaves Black Noise 10:43

What to play next

Listen next

Citadel

2014

Go back to

The Aurora Veil

2007

Full Ne Obliviscaris discography Artists like Ne Obliviscaris

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata