The Living Infinite
Soilwork · 2013
84 min · 20 tracks · melodic death metal
A relentless blend of intricate melodies and aggressive rhythms that pushes the boundaries of melodic death metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spectrum of Eternity Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Living Infinite I — This track epitomizes the album's thematic depth and musical diversity, seamlessly blending melodic hooks with aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics.
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Long Live the Misanthrope — With its dynamic shifts between melody and heaviness, this song captures Soilwork's signature sound while showcasing impressive vocal range and lyrical intensity.
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Antidotes in Passing — This track features intricate guitar work and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect on existential themes, highlighting the band's ability to combine technicality with emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex songwriting and strong production, balancing aggression with melody.
What we noticed
- The album features a dual vocal approach, alternating between harsh growls and melodic clean singing across many tracks.
- It consists of 20 tracks, with the first half focusing on aggressive rhythms and intricate guitar work, while the second half introduces more atmospheric elements.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that shift from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic interludes, creating dynamic contrasts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing encourages deep listening
- melodic intricacies for detail-oriented listeners
- cathartic intensity for full-volume play
- two halves for focused exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The Living Infinite is an ambitious double album showcasing complexity and cohesion.
- Career context
- Released in 2013, The Living Infinite marked Soilwork's eighth studio album and their first double album. This ambitious project came after a period of lineup changes, solidifying their position as a leading force in the melodic death metal scene following the success of their previous albums like Sworn to a Great Divide.
- Stylistic neighbors
- In Flames· Dark Tranquillity· Arch Enemy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Whispers and Lights
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on human experience, exploring themes of hope amid despair.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Spectrum of Eternity Start here 4:01
- 2 Memories Confined 3:25
- 3 This Momentary Bliss 3:45
- 4 Tongue 4:17
- 5 The Living Infinite I 3:50
- 6 Let the First Wave Rise 2:52
- 7 Vesta 4:18
- 8 Realm of the Wasted 4:29
- 9 The Windswept Mercy 4:14
- 10 Whispers and Lights 5:09
Disc 2
- 1 Entering Aeons 2:34
- 2 Long Live the Misanthrope 5:26
- 3 Drowning With Silence 4:28
- 4 Antidotes in Passing 4:15
- 5 Leech 4:20
- 6 The Living Infinite II 5:39
- 7 Loyal Shadow 2:34
- 8 Rise Above the Sentiment 4:03
- 9 Parasite Blues 5:16
- 10 Owls Predict, Oracles Stand Guard 5:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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