What makes The Ichthyologist by Giant Squid notable?

The Ichthyologist received critical acclaim for its ambitious concept and elaborate compositions, with notable reviews highlighting its blending of heavy metal with progressive elements. The album's thematic focus on marine life resonated within the metal community, influencing subsequent acts that sought to merge lyrical depth with genre experimentation. Released on February 3, 2009, The Ichthyologist is Giant Squid's third studio album and showcases their evolving sound following the breakthrough success of their previous album, Metridium Fields. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the post-metal and doom genres while exploring intricate themes related to marine biology and environmentalism.

How many songs are on The Ichthyologist?

The Ichthyologist has 10 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

The Ichthyologist

Giant Squid · 2009

63 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling ocean of sound intertwines heavy riffs with atmospheric melodies, drawing listeners into a deep, immersive experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Panthalassa (Lampetra Tridentata) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and complex structures, effectively establishing the aquatic theme that permeates throughout.
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Throwing a Donner Party at Sea (Physeter Catodon) — Combining intricate instrumentation with vivid storytelling, this track highlights Giant Squid's ability to weave narrative and sound in a way that captivates listeners.
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Blue Linckia (Linckia Laevigata) — With its dynamic shifts from calm passages to heavy crescendos, this song exemplifies the band's mastery of tension and release, making it a standout moment on the album.

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 ambitious compositions and thematic depth create an immersive experience, though it may not resonate widely outside its genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and thematic development.

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 Panthalassa (Lampetra Tridentata) 5:50
2 La Brea Tar Pits (Pseudomonas Putida) 7:28
3 Sutterville (Vibrio Cholerae) 4:08
4 Dead Man Slough (Pacifastacus Leniusculus) 5:32
5 Throwing a Donner Party at Sea (Physeter Catodon) 5:40
6 Sevengill (Notorynchus Cepedianus) 7:10
7 Mormon Island (Alluvial Au) 6:39
8 Blue Linckia (Linckia Laevigata) 7:11
9 Emerald Bay (Prionace Glauca) 6:11
10 Rubicon Wall (Acipenser Transmontanus) 7:59

What to play next

Listen next

Cenotes

2011

Go back to

Giant Squid / Grayceon

2007

Full Giant Squid discography Artists like Giant Squid

doom metal post-metal progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata