Spears of Heaven
Graveland · 2009
54 min · 7 tracks · black metal
Epic black metal symphonies intertwine with atmospheric melodies and fierce growls, evoking mythical landscapes and ancient battles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spears of Heaven — The album opener sets the tone with grandiose instrumentation and powerful vocals, encapsulating the epic nature of Graveland's sound.
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Walls of the Red Temple — This track features intricate guitar work and a dynamic structure that highlights the band's ability to blend melody with aggression.
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When Valkyries Come — A standout track that employs haunting melodies and atmospheric elements, creating an immersive experience reflective of Norse mythology.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines epic structures with atmospheric elements, showcasing Graveland's signature style in black metal.
What we noticed
- The album features lengthy tracks, with most exceeding six minutes, allowing for expansive musical development.
- Each song incorporates orchestral elements alongside traditional black metal instrumentation, creating a layered soundscape.
- The vocal delivery alternates between fierce growls and choral backing, enhancing the epic atmosphere of the compositions.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- epic soundscapes for escapism
- patient unfolding with grandeur
- immersive journeys through mythology
- cathartic crescendos throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Spears of Heaven is Graveland's seventh studio album, marking a return to form after a series of experimental releases. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their legacy within the black metal genre while continuing to explore themes of paganism and mythology. The album showcases a blend of orchestral elements and traditional black metal soundscapes that define their style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bathory· Darkthrone· Immortal
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spears of Heaven 8:20
- 2 Walls of the Red Temple 7:50
- 3 Flame of Doom 7:38
- 4 Braid of a Pride Valkyria 6:48
- 5 When Valkyries Come 5:49
- 6 Sun Wind 7:24
- 7 Return to the Northern Carpathian 10:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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