Released 20 years ago
Symbols of Failure
Psycroptic · 2006
43 min · 10 tracks · death metal
Technical precision meets relentless aggression in a conceptual exploration of existential themes and societal critique.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alpha Breed — As the opening track, Alpha Breed sets the tone with its blistering speed and intricate guitar work, establishing the album's thematic focus on humanity's darker tendencies.
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Merchants of Deceit — This track showcases Psycroptic's signature blend of technicality and brutality, featuring dynamic shifts that reflect the album’s critique of societal manipulation.
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Epoch of the Gods — A standout for its expansive soundscapes and philosophical lyrics, this track deepens the album's exploration of existence and purpose through an engaging sonic journey.
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Cleansing a Misguided Path — This track combines relentless rhythm with thought-provoking lyrics, encapsulating the album's overall message about navigating through confusion and disillusionment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases technical proficiency and thematic depth, contributing to its standing in modern death metal.
What we noticed
- Guitar solos are frequent and intricate, often layered with harmonies that showcase technical skill without sacrificing aggression.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of unpredictability and maintaining listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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6/10
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
- relentless aggression with precision
- thought-provoking existential themes
- quick bursts of intense energy
- immersive exploration of concepts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer melodic, soothing sounds
- seek lighthearted, carefree vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Symbols of Failure is Psycroptic's fourth studio album, following their 2004 album, Ob(Servant). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the death metal scene for their complex compositions and intricate musicianship while gaining traction internationally.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Necrophagist· Obscura· Beyond Creation
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Alpha Breed 3:50
- 2 Missionaries of a Future to Come 4:18
- 3 Merchants of Deceit 5:27
- 4 Minions: The Fallen 3:51
- 5 Repairing the Dimensional Cluster 3:42
- 6 Epoch of the Gods 4:44
- 7 Our Evolutionary Architecture 4:39
- 8 An Experiment in Transience 4:54
- 9 Cleansing a Misguided Path 4:24
- 10 Incarnate Solvent Abuse 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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