What makes The Clockwork Fable by Gandalf's Fist notable?

The Clockwork Fable received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its ambitious storytelling and intricate compositions. It helped further establish Gandalf's Fist within the progressive rock scene, contributing to a resurgence of interest in concept albums during the mid-2010s. The album showcases the band's ability to weave complex narratives through music, influencing both fans and up-and-coming bands in the genre. Released in 2016, The Clockwork Fable is Gandalf's Fist's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work, A Forest of Fey. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation for ambitious concept albums that blend progressive and psychedelic rock elements into cohesive narratives. Their growing fanbase had come to expect elaborate compositions and thematic depth, which this album continues to explore.

Who is The Clockwork Fable for?

The Clockwork Fable works well if you're into whimsical storytelling through music, sprawling journeys with intricate melodies and immersive narrative arcs throughout.

How many songs are on The Clockwork Fable?

The Clockwork Fable has 33 tracks, running approximately 193 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

The Clockwork Fable

Gandalf's Fist · 2016

193 min · 33 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling progressive rock odyssey filled with intricate melodies and whimsical storytelling set against a backdrop of rich sonic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Lamplighter (Parts I–VIII) — This track serves as the centerpiece of the album, combining various musical themes and showcasing the band's narrative prowess through its extended structure.
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The Shadow Rises… — With its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, this track encapsulates the album's darker themes while demonstrating the band's mastery of atmosphere.
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Quest for Power — This brief yet impactful interlude highlights the narrative arc of the album, serving as a moment of reflection amidst the larger tapestry of sound.
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Fight for the Light — Combining powerful instrumentation with poignant lyrical themes, this track exemplifies the struggle present throughout the album's storyline.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and storytelling but has a somewhat loose cohesion due to its length.

What we noticed

The album features multiple tracks that are divided into parts, with 'The Lamplighter' spanning eight sections, creating a narrative flow.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as transitioning from soft, melodic passages to heavier, more aggressive sections.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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

whimsical storytelling through music
sprawling journeys with intricate melodies
immersive narrative arcs throughout
engaging long-form listening experience
thought-provoking themes and concepts

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2016, The Clockwork Fable is Gandalf's Fist's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work, A Forest of Fey. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation for ambitious concept albums that blend progressive and psychedelic rock elements into cohesive narratives. Their growing fanbase had come to expect elaborate compositions and thematic depth, which this album continues to explore.
Stylistic neighbors: The Mars Volta· Porcupine Tree· King Crimson