Retribution cover

Retribution

Nightingale · 2014

44 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

Melodic progressive metal intertwines with symphonic elements, creating an atmospheric soundscape that evokes both power and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lucifer’s Lament — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and lyrical depth, exploring themes of inner conflict and existential despair through dynamic shifts between soft verses and powerful choruses.
  • →
    Warriors of the Dawn — A driving anthem characterized by its energetic rhythm and uplifting lyrics, it embodies the album's theme of resilience and determination against adversity.
  • →
    27 (Curse or Coincidence?) — This song features complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics that delve into the symbolism of the number 27, making it a focal point of the album's conceptual depth.

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 strong production, blending melodic and symphonic elements effectively.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups that transition into powerful vocal passages.
  • The use of orchestral elements is prominent, particularly in 'Lucifer’s Lament' and 'Echoes of a Dream', where strings and synths create a lush backdrop for the metal instrumentation.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Lucifer’s Lament

    The moment shifts to a first-person perspective that reveals profound vulnerability amidst dark reflections on one's own choices.

    This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by allowing listeners to engage directly with the internal struggle presented.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 On Stolen Wings 4:29
  • 2 Lucifer’s Lament 4:49
  • 3 Chasing the Storm Away 3:52
  • 4 Warriors of the Dawn 3:41
  • 5 Forevermore 4:07
  • 6 Divided I Fall 3:39
  • 7 The Voyage of Endurance 5:06
  • 8 27 (Curse or Coincidence?) 5:10
  • 9 The Maze 3:52
  • 10 Echoes of a Dream 5:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata