The New Dark Age
Kiuas · 2008
51 min · 10 tracks · power metal
Epic power metal riffs intertwine with orchestral arrangements, creating a grand and cinematic sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Conqueror — This track exemplifies Kiuas' signature sound with its powerful chorus and intricate guitar work that captures the essence of their musical style.
-
→
Kiuas War Anthem — A battle-inspired anthem that showcases both lyrical depth and energetic instrumentation, reflecting the band's thematic focus on struggle and triumph.
-
→
The New Dark Age — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes, combining atmospheric elements with heavy riffs to create a sense of foreboding and grandeur.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kiuas blends power metal with orchestral elements effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and varied compositions.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate guitar riffs and orchestral backing, setting a dramatic tone.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, moving from aggressive sections to slower, more melodic passages, enhancing the emotional impact.
- The use of dual vocals—clean singing and harsh growls—creates dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- cinematic soundscapes for escapism
- epic themes of struggle and
- long-form narratives that unfold
- sweeping melodies for grand moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 12, 2008, The New Dark Age is Kiuas' third studio album, following their 2006 release, Reformation. This period marked their artistic growth as they explored deeper themes and more complex arrangements, solidifying their place in the Finnish power metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonata Arctica· DragonForce· Nightwish
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Decaying Doctrine 4:52
- 2 Conqueror 5:06
- 3 Kiuas War Anthem 4:36
- 4 The New Dark Age 5:03
- 5 To Excel and Ascend 5:54
- 6 Black Rose Withered 3:49
- 7 After the Storm 5:39
- 8 Of Sacrifice, Loss and Reward 4:41
- 9 The Summoning 4:58
- 10 The Wanderer’s Lamentation 6:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.