What makes The Bones of a Dying World by If These Trees Could Talk notable?

This album received critical acclaim within the post-metal community, often cited for its innovative blend of textures and emotional weight. It marked a notable shift in their musical approach, leading to increased visibility and discussions around instrumental storytelling in heavy music, reflected in its strong presence on genre-specific charts and playlists. Released in 2016, The Bones of a Dying World is If These Trees Could Talk's third studio album, following their 2012 release, Red Forest. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their identity within the post-metal genre, building on their established sound with more expansive arrangements and thematic depth.

How many songs are on The Bones of a Dying World?

The Bones of a Dying World has 9 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

The Bones of a Dying World

If These Trees Could Talk · 2016

54 min · 9 tracks · post-metal

A sprawling soundscape of atmospheric guitars and intricate rhythms, evoking both desolation and beauty within its post-metal framework.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Solstice — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its expansive instrumentation and gradual build-up, showcasing the band's signature sound blending atmosphere and intensity.
→
Iron Glacier — This piece exemplifies the band's ability to create tension through dynamic shifts and textured layers, culminating in a cathartic climax that resonates deeply.
→
The Giving Tree — With its haunting melodies and intricate guitar work, this track encapsulates the emotional core of the album while maintaining an expansive soundscape that defines their style.

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 album's intricate soundscapes and dynamic shifts create a compelling post-metal experience.

What we noticed

The album features long, expansive tracks that often build gradually, layering guitars and rhythms over time.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, atmospheric sections to intense climaxes.
The use of ambient soundscapes is prevalent, with background textures enhancing the emotional weight of the music.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Solstice 7:50
2 Swallowing Teeth 4:27
3 Earth Crawler 6:38
4 After the Smoke Clears 6:18
5 The Here and Hereafter 2:34
6 Iron Glacier 8:26
7 The Giving Tree 6:03
8 Berlin 4:44
9 One Sky Above Us 7:34

What to play next

Listen next

The Hidden Hand

2026

Go back to

Red Forest

2012

Full If These Trees Could Talk discography Artists like If These Trees Could Talk

post-metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata