The Art of Balance cover

The Art of Balance

Shadows Fall · 2002

52 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal · metalcore · melodic death metal

A whirlwind of aggressive riffs and melodic passages that encapsulate the chaos of modern metal.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamics with peaks
  • cathartic release through aggression
  • immersive journey of contrasts
  • engaging live performance energy

Maybe skip if you want

  • dislike aggressive soundscapes
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 17, 2002, 'The Art of Balance' is Shadows Fall's third studio album, following their breakthrough with 'Of One Blood' in 2000. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the metalcore scene, blending elements of melodic death metal and thrash to carve out a unique sound.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Idle Hands 3:34
  • 2 Thoughts Without Words 4:31
  • 4 Casting Shade 2:09
  • 5 Stepping Outside the Circle 5:25
  • 6 The Art of Balance 4:46
  • 7 Mystery of One Spirit 5:10
  • 8 The Idiot Box 4:30
  • 9 Prelude to Disaster 1:48
  • 10 A Fire in Babylon 7:30
  • 11 Welcome to the Machine 5:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Destroyer of Senses 2:59
  • 2 Thoughts Without Words (live) 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata