Project X cover

Project X

Dark Moor · 2015

46 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A cosmic journey through symphonic metal, blending intricate guitar work with ethereal orchestrations and thought-provoking themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Want to Believe — This track encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of belief in the unknown, combining powerful vocals with lush instrumentation that elevates its narrative.
  • →
    Beyond the Stars — The expansive soundscape and soaring melodies capture the essence of longing for exploration, making it a standout representation of the album's cosmic journey.
  • →
    There's Something in the Skies — With its extended runtime, this track delves into atmospheric storytelling, building tension and intrigue that aligns perfectly with the album's sci-fi motifs.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate compositions with thematic depth but lacks broader recognition beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cinematic intro that sets a space-themed atmosphere, followed by tracks that alternate between fast-paced guitar riffs and slower, orchestral sections.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the intricate guitar solos.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • cosmic themes with orchestral depth
  • thought-provoking narratives and concepts
  • dynamic shifts in pacing throughout
  • immersive journeys through storytelling

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 6, 2015, Project X marked Dark Moor's sixth studio album, following the band's exploration of historical and mythical themes in earlier works. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the symphonic metal genre while continuing to evolve their sound and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Rhapsody of Fire· Nightwish· Sonata Arctica

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Want to Believe

    The bridge shifts to a more introspective tone, questioning what lies beyond human understanding.

    This moment introduces a sense of vulnerability that contrasts with the otherwise confident assertions throughout the song, enhancing its emotional weight.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 November 3023 1:07
  • 2 Abduction 4:43
  • 3 Beyond the Stars 4:57
  • 4 Conspiracy Revealed 3:06
  • 5 I Want to Believe 4:59
  • 6 Bon Voyage! 6:18
  • 7 The Existence 4:06
  • 8 Imperial Earth 4:30
  • 9 Gabriel 4:14
  • 10 There's Something in the Skies 8:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata