Tara
Absu · 2001
52 min · 13 tracks · thrash metal
A whirlwind of mythological themes and intricate thrash rhythms collide in a cacophony of dark, atmospheric metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pillars of Mercy — This track showcases the band's trademark blend of intricate guitar work and rapid-fire percussion, embodying the album's mythic themes through both its lyrics and composition.
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Manannán — Named after the Celtic sea god, this track features sweeping melodies that contrast with its aggressive riffs, representing a pivotal moment in the album's exploration of mythology.
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The Cognate House of Courtley Witches Lies West of County Meath — This song stands out for its elaborate storytelling and dynamic shifts between tempos, illustrating Absu's ability to weave narrative into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tara showcases intricate arrangements and mythological themes, making it a notable entry in thrash metal.
What we noticed
- Lyrical themes are drawn from mythology, with each track exploring different narratives, creating a cohesive conceptual framework.
- Several tracks incorporate interludes of atmospheric soundscapes that contrast with the aggressive thrash elements, enhancing the overall mood.
- The final track, 'Tara (Recapitulation)', revisits motifs from earlier songs, providing a sense of closure to the album's narrative.
- 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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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
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, Tara was Absu's fourth studio album and marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing more complex arrangements and lyrical depth. Coming off the somewhat experimental album, The Third Storm of Cythraul (1997), this record solidified their position as a unique force within the American thrash metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Demolition Hammer· Sepultura· Annihilator
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tara 1:56
- 2 Pillars of Mercy 4:21
- 3 A Shield With an Iron Face 3:22
- 4 Manannán 6:39
- 5 The Cognate House of Courtley Witches Lies West of County Meath 4:19
- 6 She Cries the Quiet Lake 4:10
- 7 Yrp Lluyddawc 1:51
- 8 From Ancient Times (Starless Skies Burn to Ash) 3:53
- 9 Four Crossed Wands (Spell 181) 4:46
- 10 Vorago (Spell 182) 5:45
- 11 Bron (of the Waves) 1:32
- 12 Stone of Destiny (...for Magh Slecht and Ard Righ) 7:47
- 13 Tara (Recapitulation) 1:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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