Taxidermy
Abney Park · 2005
41 min · 10 tracks
Darkly atmospheric soundscapes merge with steampunk aesthetics and evocative storytelling, crafting a unique auditory experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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New Black Day — This track encapsulates the album's blend of hope and darkness, with an infectious melody that contrasts its somber lyrics about change and resilience.
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Creep — A haunting cover that showcases the band’s ability to reinterpret modern classics through a steampunk lens, adding an eerie yet captivating atmosphere.
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The Wake (Dream mix) — This version amplifies the dream-like quality of the original, making it a perfect opener that sets the tone for the entire album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's atmospheric sound and narrative focus create a unique experience, though its cohesion is affected by live tracks.
What we noticed
- The live recordings included in the tracklist introduce a raw energy that contrasts with the polished studio tracks, affecting the overall dynamic.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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 atmosphere for reflection
- steady pacing for focused listening
- vibrant soundscapes to explore
- consistent flow with gradual decline
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2005, Abney Park released Taxidermy as their third studio album, marking a significant point in their evolution as pioneers of the steampunk music genre. This album followed their previous works, including the acclaimed album From Dreams or Angels (2004), showcasing their growing ambition in terms of production and thematic depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Unwoman· Aurelio Voltaire· The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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New Black Day
The shift from despair to hope is articulated through vivid imagery of transformation and rebirth.
This moment employs contrasting visuals to illustrate an emotional journey, effectively capturing the essence of renewal present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Wake (2005 mix) 5:32
- 2 New Black Day 4:49
- 3 The Change Cage (2005 mix) 4:00
- 4 White Wedding 3:47
- 5 The Root of All Evil (live) 4:05
- 6 The Shadow of Life (live) 3:27
- 7 The Only One (live) 2:53
- 8 Creep 4:17
- 9 Dead Silence (2005 mix) 3:22
- 10 The Wake (Dream mix) 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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