Scorpio Rising cover

Scorpio Rising

Death in Vegas · 2002

49 min · 10 tracks · pop rock

A dark blend of hypnotic beats and swirling guitar textures that conjures an otherworldly atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Scorpio Rising — The title track encapsulates the album's haunting atmosphere with its ethereal vocals and pulsating rhythm, serving as a perfect introduction to the band's sonic landscape.
  • →
    Hands Around My Throat — This track stands out for its provocative lyrics and aggressive instrumentation, showcasing the darker themes that permeate the album.
  • →
    Killing Smile — With its brooding melodies and layered production, this song exemplifies the fusion of pop sensibilities with darker electronic influences present throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends hypnotic beats with swirling guitars, creating a distinct sound that's immersive and atmospheric.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving beat in 'Leather' that sets a hypnotic tone, which is maintained through layered guitar textures and electronic elements.
  • Tracks like 'Killing Smile' and 'Diving Horses' feature extended instrumental sections that allow the atmosphere to build gradually, creating a sense of immersion.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, adding a narrative layer that contrasts with the music's rhythmic intensity.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • hypnotic grooves for late nights
  • smoky vocals create atmospheric depth
  • engaging narratives through cohesive flow

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Scorpio Rising' was released in January 2002, Death in Vegas had already established themselves with their debut album, 'Dead Elvis.' This sophomore effort marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more refined approach to blending electronic and rock elements while expanding their thematic scope.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Leather 3:30
  • 2 Girls 4:30
  • 3 Hands Around My Throat 5:07
  • 4 23 Lies 3:49
  • 5 Scorpio Rising 5:37
  • 6 Killing Smile 4:49
  • 7 Natja 3:50
  • 8 So You Say You Lost Your Baby 3:00
  • 9 Diving Horses 5:11
  • 10 Help Yourself 10:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata