The Fall of a Rebel Angel cover

Released 10 years ago this November

The Fall of a Rebel Angel

Enigma · 2016

44 min · 12 tracks · new age music

Mystical soundscapes intertwine with ethereal vocals, creating an atmospheric journey through themes of spirituality and existential reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Circle Eight Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    The Omega Point — This track encapsulates Enigma's signature blend of haunting melodies and philosophical lyrics, inviting listeners into a contemplative space reflecting on existence.
  • →
    Sadeness, Part II — As a sequel to one of their most iconic tracks, this song revisits themes of sensuality and spirituality while introducing fresh musical elements that highlight the band's evolution.
  • →
    Agnus Dei — This composition features choral arrangements that evoke a sense of transcendence, demonstrating Enigma's ability to merge sacred music with contemporary production techniques.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic and new age elements effectively, though it doesn't push boundaries within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synths and vocal harmonies, creating a lush soundscape that evolves throughout each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with melodic vocals, enhancing the thematic depth.
  • The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others introduce more ambient, slower sections that allow for reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

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

  • haunting soundscapes for reflection
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • ethereal ambience for introspection
  • immersive experience in solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party atmosphere
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Enigma's continued vitality and appeal after a five-year hiatus.
Themes
mystical soundscapes· spiritual transcendence
Career context
The Fall of a Rebel Angel marks Enigma's eighth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following the 2013 album, The Voice of the Heart. At this point in their career, Enigma sought to blend electronic elements with new age music, continuing their exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes that have defined their work since the early 1990s.
Stylistic neighbors
Deep Forest· Enya· Loreena McKennitt

Tracklist

  • 1 Circle Eight Start here 2:18
  • 2 The Omega Point 5:39
  • 3 Diving 2:53
  • 4 The Die Is Cast 4:16
  • 5 Mother 3:38
  • 6 Agnus Dei 3:57
  • 7 Sadeness, Part II 4:08
  • 8 Lost in Nothingness 3:20
  • 9 Oxygen Red 4:02
  • 10 Confession of the Mind 3:47
  • 11 Absolvo 2:01
  • 12 Amen 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata