What makes The Crystal World by Locrian notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious sound and intricate compositions, solidifying Locrian's reputation in the experimental music scene. It was noted for pushing the boundaries of drone metal and influencing subsequent artists navigating similar sonic territories. Released in 2010, The Crystal World is Locrian's third studio album, following their 2009 effort, Drenched Lands. At this point, the band was establishing itself within the drone metal genre, expanding their sonic palette to include more complex structures and atmospheric elements.

How many songs are on The Crystal World?

The Crystal World has 7 tracks, running approximately 101 minutes.

The Crystal World

Locrian · 2010

101 min · 7 tracks · drone metal

A sprawling, immersive soundscape intertwining dense drones with haunting melodies that evoke a sense of desolation and beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Triumph of Elimination — This track opens the album with an explosive blend of heavy riffs and ambient textures, setting the tone for the expansive journey ahead.
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Obsidian Facades — It features a dynamic interplay between harsh noise and melodic sections, showcasing Locrian's ability to balance chaos and beauty effectively.
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Extinction — As the lengthy closing track, it encapsulates the album’s themes of decay and transformation through its gradual build-up and evolving layers of sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album features immersive soundscapes with intricate layering, rewarding deep listening while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere.

What we noticed

The first track builds gradually, layering drones that swell and recede over nearly ten minutes before introducing melodic elements.
Several tracks feature extended sections of sustained tones, creating a meditative atmosphere that invites deep listening.
The album's final track incorporates a slow fade-out, leaving the listener in silence for an extended period after the music ends.

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

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.