The Desaturating Seven cover

The Desaturating Seven

Primus · 2017

34 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock

A vivid blend of surreal storytelling and complex rhythms that merge progressive metal with whimsical undertones.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Valley Start here — This opening track sets the stage for the album's whimsical narrative with intricate basslines and vivid imagery that draws listeners into its world.
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    The Seven — The title track encapsulates the album's core theme, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and engaging storytelling that showcase Primus' signature style.
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    The Trek — With its extended length, this track allows for immersive exploration of musical complexity while delivering a sense of adventure reflective of its narrative.
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    The Storm — This track builds tension through its chaotic instrumentation and serves as a pivotal moment in the album, illustrating the conflict in the overarching story.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's narrative and complex rhythms showcase Primus' unique style while maintaining strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album features a narrative structure where each track builds on the story, creating a cohesive thematic arc.
  • Each song incorporates whimsical instrumentation, with prominent use of bass and unconventional melodies that define Primus' sound.
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
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 sound
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • dreamlike landscapes to explore
  • wave-like pacing inviting immersion

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, instant gratification
  • prefer predictable song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity.
Themes
whimsical storytelling· vivid imagery· surreal adventures
Career context
Released on September 29, 2017, The Desaturating Seven is Primus' first studio album in nearly 20 years following their previous release, Green Naugahyde. This album marks a return to the band’s unique sound while also embracing new themes and narratives, showcasing their continued evolution as artists within the progressive rock sphere.
Stylistic neighbors
Mr. Bungle· Faith No More· Tool

Tracklist

  • 1 The Valley Start here 4:43
  • 2 The Seven 3:08
  • 3 The Trek 7:50
  • 4 The Scheme 2:51
  • 5 The Dream 6:37
  • 6 The Storm 7:48
  • 7 The Ends? 1:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata