The Blanck Mass Sessions cover

The Blanck Mass Sessions

Editors · 2019

36 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock

The album merges haunting melodies with pulsating rhythms, creating an atmosphere of dark introspection and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Barricades Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Hallelujah (So Low) — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of despair through its haunting vocals and layered instrumentation, serving as a poignant centerpiece.
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    Violence — As the title track from the previous album, this song reappears here with a fresh treatment, exemplifying Editors' ability to evolve their signature sound while maintaining emotional intensity.
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    Counting Spooks — With its driving rhythm and unsettling lyrics, this track stands out for its bold confrontation of internal fears and societal anxieties.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively blends atmospheric soundscapes with rhythmic intensity, rewarding multiple listens with its depth.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks build a consistent atmosphere with layered synths and steady percussion, creating a sense of tension that carries through.
  • Tracks often feature extended instrumental sections where the rhythm shifts subtly, allowing for moments of introspection before returning to driving beats.
  • The final two tracks slow down significantly, introducing ambient textures that contrast with the earlier intensity, providing a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • dark, introspective listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive sonic landscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases a deliberate departure from their established sound with darker themes.
Themes
societal anxieties· internal fears
Career context
Released in 2019, The Blanck Mass Sessions marks Editors' sixth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Violence from 2018. This album showcases the band's willingness to experiment with sound and production techniques, further solidifying their evolution within the alternative rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Interpol· The National· Bloc Party

Tracklist

  • 1 Barricades Start here 4:11
  • 2 Cold 4:04
  • 3 Hallelujah (So Low) 3:40
  • 4 Violence 6:08
  • 5 Darkness at the Door 3:28
  • 6 Nothingness 5:04
  • 7 Magazine 4:04
  • 8 Counting Spooks 5:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata