Sumerian Cry
Tiamat · 1990
43 min · 10 tracks · gothic metal
Gothic textures intertwine with death metal ferocity, creating an atmospheric soundscape steeped in dark mythology.
Top tracks — play these first
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In the Shrines of the Kingly Dead — This track showcases Tiamat's unique blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies, setting the tone for the album's exploration of dark themes and atmospheres.
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The Malicious Paradise — With its intricate guitar work and eerie keyboard layers, this song highlights the band's shift towards a more melodic and gothic sound, distinguishing them from their peers.
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Nocturnal Funeral — This track exemplifies the album's atmospheric qualities, featuring a slow build-up that culminates in powerful instrumentation that reflects the themes of mortality and darkness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends death metal with gothic elements, creating a distinctive sound that influenced the genre's development.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an atmospheric intro that sets a dark tone, followed by tracks that alternate between heavy riffs and melodic passages.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies and keyboards, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the gothic atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- atmospheric dark mythology exploration
- immersive journeys into the unknown
- cathartic release through intensity
- haunting melodies with gothic depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted, upbeat music
- seek instant gratification in songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Sumerian Cry is Tiamat's debut album, released in 1990 as they emerged from Sweden's burgeoning death metal scene. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity, transitioning from a straightforward death metal sound to a more atmospheric and gothic approach that would define their later works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paradise Lost· My Dying Bride· Anathema
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro - Sumerian Cry (Part 1) 0:57
- 2 In the Shrines of the Kingly Dead 4:09
- 3 The Malicious Paradise 4:28
- 4 Necrophagios Shadows 4:36
- 5 Apothesis of Morbidity 6:05
- 6 Nocturnal Funeral 4:06
- 7 Altar Flame 4:30
- 8 Evilized 5:00
- 9 Where the Serpents Ever Dwell / Outro - Sumerian Cry (Part 2) 6:08
- 10 The Sign of the Pentagram 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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