Reach Beyond the Sun
Shai Hulud · 2013
35 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal
Fierce riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, delivering a powerful exploration of human struggle and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Reach Beyond the Sun — This title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of perseverance and existential inquiry, highlighted by its melodic hooks and intense instrumentation. Its structure exemplifies the band's ability to blend heavy elements with poignant reflection.
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A Human Failing — The song's aggressive openings paired with reflective verses showcase the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability that defines much of the album's lyrical content. This track serves as a microcosm of the emotional depth present throughout.
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If a Mountain Be My Obstacle — With its driving rhythm and complex time signatures, this track illustrates Shai Hulud's commitment to technical prowess while addressing metaphysical barriers faced in life. Its energetic delivery makes it a standout piece in their discography.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics but has a mixed cohesion and durability for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate guitar work with rapid tempo changes, often shifting from aggressive riffs to melodic interludes within the same track.
- Lyrically, the songs explore themes of struggle and resilience, with verses that often contrast introspective moments against heavier musical sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 The Mean Spirits, Breathing 2:56
- 2 I, Saturnine 1:46
- 3 Reach Beyond the Sun 3:00
- 4 A Human Failing 3:30
- 5 Man Into Demon: And Their Faces Are Twisted With the Pain of Living 2:57
- 6 Medicine to the Dead 3:20
- 7 To Suffer Fools 1:42
- 8 Think the Adder Benign 3:56
- 9 Monumental Graves 3:55
- 10 If a Mountain Be My Obstacle 3:30
- 11 At Least a Plausible Case for Pessimism 3:35
- 12 This Day is a Spark of Life 0:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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