Is The Serpent Is Rising a good place to start with Styx?

Yes, The Serpent Is Rising is recommended as a starting point for new Styx listeners. A fusion of progressive rock and hard rock, weaving intricate melodies with theatrical storytelling and dynamic instrumentation. Released in 1973, The Serpent Is Rising was Styx's third studio album and followed their successful self-titled debut and the more commercially viable equinox. At this point, Styx was still developing their sound, blending rock with elements of theatre and orchestration, which would later define their style. This album marked a pivotal moment as they began to hone their identity, setting the stage for subsequent successes.

Who is The Serpent Is Rising for?

The Serpent Is Rising works well if you're into steady flow with reflective moments, introspective lyrics for deep thinking and short tracks for varied pacing.

How many songs are on The Serpent Is Rising?

The Serpent Is Rising has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

The Serpent Is Rising

Styx · 1973

38 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A fusion of progressive rock and hard rock, weaving intricate melodies with theatrical storytelling and dynamic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Witch Wolf Start here — This track opens the album with a haunting narrative that sets a mystical tone, showcasing Styx’s ability to blend storytelling with progressive instrumentation.
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Winner Take All — The song features catchy hooks and energetic guitar riffs, embodying the band’s signature mix of hard rock vitality and lyrical depth.
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The Serpent Is Rising — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of transformation and rebirth through rich musical layers and dramatic shifts in dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock and progressive elements, featuring storytelling lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a heavy guitar riff, establishing a hard rock sound that persists through the album.
The lyrics often tell stories or convey themes, with tracks like 'Jonas Psalter' and 'The Serpent Is Rising' incorporating theatrical elements.
The album closes with 'Hallelujah Chorus,' which features choral elements and shifts in dynamics, contrasting with the preceding tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady flow with reflective moments
introspective lyrics for deep thinking
short tracks for varied pacing
engaging storytelling throughout album

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy lyrical exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Advanced Styx's reputation in progressive rock during the early 70s.
Themes: mythological imagery· dark fantasy narratives· competitive ambition
Career context: Released in 1973, The Serpent Is Rising was Styx's third studio album and followed their successful self-titled debut and the more commercially viable equinox. At this point, Styx was still developing their sound, blending rock with elements of theatre and orchestration, which would later define their style. This album marked a pivotal moment as they began to hone their identity, setting the stage for subsequent successes.
Stylistic neighbors: Kansas· Boston· Journey