What makes Retribution by Obscura notable?

Retribution received widespread acclaim for its sophisticated compositions and technical prowess, landing them a spot on several year-end lists. The album's blend of melodic death metal and progressive elements influenced a generation of musicians and solidified Obscura's reputation within the genre. Released in 2006, Retribution is Obscura's second album, following their debut, *The Philosophers Stone*. This record marked a significant step in their evolution, showcasing a more mature sound and deeper technical complexity as they began to establish themselves within the progressive metal scene.

How many songs are on Retribution?

Retribution has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Retribution

Obscura · 2006

55 min · 13 tracks · progressive metal

Heavy, intricate guitar riffs intertwine with haunting melodies and relentless rhythms, creating a darkly immersive progressive metal experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Humankind — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive riffs and complex time signatures, showcasing the band's technical skill right from the start.
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Hymn to a Nocturnal Visitor — This track features an intricate interplay of atmospheric passages and virtuosic solos, embodying the album's thematic depth and musical ambition.
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God of Emptiness — Closing the album, this track combines haunting melodies with crushing heaviness, leaving listeners with a profound sense of unease that encapsulates the record's darker themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and technical prowess, marking a significant evolution in Obscura's sound.

What we noticed

The use of contrasting dynamics is prevalent, with softer passages leading into intense climaxes, creating a sense of tension and release.

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: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Humankind 2:47
2 Nothing 4:56
3 Unhinged 2:16
4 None Shall Be Spared 5:58
5 Alone 3:44
6 Hymn to a Nocturnal Visitor 6:33
7 Hate Anthem 2:29
8 Exit Life 3:48
9 Sentiment 6:11
10 Sweet Silence 3:15
11 Lack of Comprehension 3:48
12 Synthetically Revived 4:04
13 God of Emptiness 6:01

What to play next

Listen next

Cosmogenesis

2009

Full Obscura discography Artists like Obscura

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata