Stone's Reach cover

Stone's Reach

Be'lakor · 2009

59 min · 8 tracks · melodic death metal

A sweeping blend of melodic death metal with intricate guitar work and atmospheric elements that evoke a sense of vastness.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Venator — The opening track sets the tone with its dynamic shifts between melodic sections and aggressive passages, showcasing the band's technical prowess right from the start.
  • →
    From Scythe to Sceptre — This track features an intricate interplay of guitar harmonies and soaring melodies that exemplify Be'lakor's ability to blend heaviness with lyrical beauty.
  • →
    Countless Skies — Closing the album, this expansive track encapsulates the thematic elements explored throughout, combining atmospheric introspection with powerful instrumentation.

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 showcases complex arrangements and strong melodic elements, solidifying its place in the melodic death metal genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended track lengths, with three songs exceeding eight minutes, allowing for intricate development of musical themes.
  • Guitar melodies frequently intertwine with atmospheric keyboards, creating a layered sound that enhances the emotional weight of the compositions.
  • The vocal delivery alternates between growls and clean singing, often within the same track, adding dynamic contrast to the overall sound.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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 progression with climactic peaks
  • immersive journey through soundscapes
  • thoughtful reflection during listening
  • engaging intricacies in guitar work

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Stone's Reach is Be'lakor's second studio album, following their debut, The Frail Tide. This album marked a significant step forward in their sound, showcasing more complex arrangements and lyrical depth as the band solidified their unique identity within the Australian metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Insomnium· Omnium Gatherum· Dark Tranquillity

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Held in Hollows

    A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative shifts from reflection to confrontation, emphasizing a struggle against overwhelming forces.

    This shift introduces urgency to the storytelling, contrasting earlier contemplative verses and heightening emotional tension within the track.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Venator 8:37
  • 2 From Scythe to Sceptre 6:58
  • 3 Outlive the Hand 8:39
  • 4 Sun’s Delusion 9:09
  • 5 Held in Hollows 7:23
  • 6 Husks 2:47
  • 7 Aspect 5:51
  • 8 Countless Skies 10:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata