The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV
Thrice · 2008
45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A dynamic fusion of atmospheric melodies and aggressive instrumentation that explores the duality of fire and water.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Sky Is Falling — This track showcases the album’s blend of haunting melodies and urgent lyricism, capturing the essence of despair amidst overwhelming chaos.
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Digging My Own Grave — With its introspective lyrics and powerful instrumentation, this song encapsulates the struggle between self-doubt and resilience, serving as a pivotal moment on the album.
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Come All You Weary — A poignant reflection on exhaustion and perseverance, this track stands out with its melodic structure and anthemic quality, resonating deeply with listeners seeking solace.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious structure and thematic depth showcase Thrice's experimental approach, making it a notable entry in their discography.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend atmospheric melodies with aggressive instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more introspective and melodic pieces.
- The lyrics often explore themes related to the elements of fire and water, enhancing the conceptual framework of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 soundscapes for reflection
- steady pacing for focused listening
- lyrical depth invites introspection
- mid-tempo flow for contemplation
- atmospheric backdrop for solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, danceable tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious conceptual framework and artistic depth mark it as a high point in their catalog.
- Career context
- Released in 2008, The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV marked Thrice's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed release Vheissu. At this point in their career, they were embracing a more experimental sound, pushing boundaries within post-hardcore and alternative rock while diversifying their lyrical themes to encompass grander concepts of elemental forces.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· Circa Survive· Deftones
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Broken Lungs 4:14
- 2 The Sky Is Falling 4:21
- 3 A Song for Milly Michaelson 5:07
- 4 Daedalus 6:00
- 5 As the Crow Flies 2:22
- 6 Silver Wings 2:10
Disc 2
- 1 Moving Mountains 2:55
- 2 Digging My Own Grave 3:04
- 3 The Earth Isn’t Humming 4:58
- 4 The Lion and the Wolf 2:42
- 5 Come All You Weary 4:08
- 6 Child of Dust 3:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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