Tales of Absolution and Obsoletion
The Awakening · 2009
42 min · 10 tracks · gothic rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a darkly atmospheric journey through themes of loss and redemption.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ivory (Part 1 + 2) — This opening track sets a haunting tone for the album with its layered synths and evocative lyrics that explore themes of introspection and longing.
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Indian Summer Rain — This track features lush instrumentation and a memorable chorus, encapsulating the album's blend of melancholy and beauty while drawing listeners into its emotive narrative.
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A Carnival of Souls — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this song stands out as an exploration of existential themes, reflecting the duality of life and death prevalent throughout the album.
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Frozen — The poignant lyrics combined with atmospheric soundscapes create an immersive experience that poignantly captures feelings of isolation and yearning.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends atmospheric elements with lyrical depth, creating a cohesive gothic rock experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a two-part track that combines ethereal melodies and layered vocals, setting a haunting tone for the record.
- Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, with moments of quiet reflection followed by climactic crescendos.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that fades out, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy.
- 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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8/10
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
- haunting melodies for reflective moments
- introspective themes in quiet solitude
- cathartic release of emotional weight
- evocative soundscapes for deep thinking
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, lively tracks
- seek instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Tales of Absolution and Obsoletion marked The Awakening's fifth studio album, following their acclaimed 2006 release, Rise Again. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the gothic rock and dark wave scenes, showcasing a mature sound that blended emotional depth with intricate instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fields of the Nephilim· The Mission· Dead Can Dance
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Prayer for the Song
The verse shifts to express a desperate plea for clarity amidst confusion, marking a turning point in emotional intensity.
This moment's urgency contrasts with earlier reflective tones, highlighting a sudden vulnerability that deepens the listener's connection to the unfolding narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ivory (Part 1 + 2) 6:18
- 2 Indian Summer Rain 4:29
- 3 Upon the Water 4:25
- 4 A Carnival of Souls 3:59
- 5 Frozen 4:52
- 6 Nothing Like the Rain 4:08
- 7 Where the Shadow Goes 4:01
- 8 Open 4:03
- 9 Prayer for the Song 3:07
- 10 Alone 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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