What makes Tentacles of Whorror by Leviathan notable?

'Tentacles of Whorror' received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to black metal and significantly contributed to the genre's evolution in the early 2000s. Its controversial themes and experimental sounds helped solidify Leviathan's reputation as an influential act within the USBM (United States Black Metal) movement. Released on January 1, 2004, 'Tentacles of Whorror' is Leviathan's second full-length album, following their debut, 'The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide' from 2003. At this point, the project, helmed by sole member Wrest, was gaining traction within the underground black metal scene, noted for its distinct fusion of raw intensity and atmospheric depth.

How many songs are on Tentacles of Whorror?

Tentacles of Whorror has 12 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Tentacles of Whorror

Leviathan · 2004

72 min · 12 tracks · black metal

A harrowing blend of black metal ferocity and dark ambient soundscapes, engulfing listeners in a nightmarish atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heir to the Noose of Ghoul — This track exemplifies Leviathan's signature sound with its relentless drumming and haunting melodies, embodying the album’s overall themes of despair and darkness.
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Vexed and Vomit Hexed — With its shifting tempos and dissonant riffs, this song captures the chaotic essence of the record, showcasing Wrest's ability to merge aggression with unsettling ambience.
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Tentacles of Whorror (Revel the Tyrant) — The title track serves as a powerful climax to the album, blending lengthy instrumental passages with visceral vocal delivery that encapsulates the horror-themed narrative running throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of black metal and dark ambient elements creates a unique soundscape that rewards deeper exploration.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for extended atmospheric build-ups and shifts in intensity.
The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with abrupt transitions and non-linear progressions that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The History of Rape

An intense exploration of violence and trauma unfolds in a chilling narrative that confronts societal horrors directly.

The stark imagery employed here broadens the thematic scope of the album, pushing boundaries within black metal lyricism and inviting discomfort.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 What Fresh Hell 4:24
2 Heir to the Noose of Ghoul 4:27
3 Cut, With the Night, Into Mine Heart 5:13
4 A Bouquet of Blood for Skull 4:16
5 Deciphering Legend Within the Serpent’s Briar 6:48
6 A Necessary Mutilation 4:40
7 Vexed and Vomit Hexed 6:48
8 Tentacles of Whorror (Revel the Tyrant) 9:09
9 Requiem for a Turd World 7:45
10 Blood Red and True, Part 3 (Plummeting Obscure) 3:42
11 Mouth Orifice Bizarre 6:49
12 The History of Rape 8:18

What to play next

Listen next

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Leviathan / Xasthur

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Full Leviathan discography Artists like Leviathan

black metal dark ambient

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