The Sum of No Evil
The Flower Kings · 2007
74 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and virtuosic instrumentation that showcases the essence of progressive rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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One More Time Start here — This expansive opener sets the tone for the album with its intricate arrangements and heartfelt lyrics about perseverance and hope, encapsulating the band's ethos.
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Love Is the Only Answer — Spanning over 24 minutes, this track combines multiple musical sections, showcasing the band's ability to blend complexity with emotive storytelling, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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Flight 999 Brimstone Air — With its more concise structure, this track offers a contrasting energy while still featuring rich instrumentation and reflective lyrics, demonstrating versatility within the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements typical of progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with three of the six exceeding eight minutes, allowing for complex musical developments.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including synthesizers and orchestral elements, enhances the rich soundscape throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- sweeping journeys through intricate melodies
- gradual build with late climax
- extended tracks for deep immersion
- lyrical depth and emotional resonance
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Highlights ambitious compositions and solidifies their progressive rock reputation.
- Career context
- The Sum of No Evil marks The Flower Kings' ninth studio album, following their 2004 release, Adam & Eve. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place within the progressive rock genre, continuing to develop their sound and expand their fanbase. This album came during a period of creative resurgence for the band, with a lineup that included founding members Roine Stolt and Tomas Bodin.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Transatlantic· Spock's Beard· Yes
Tracklist
- 1 One More Time Start here 13:04
- 2 Love Is the Only Answer 24:28
- 3 Trading My Soul 6:25
- 4 The Sum of No Reason 13:25
- 5 Flight 999 Brimstone Air 5:00
- 6 Life in Motion 12:33
What to play next
Banks of Eden
2012
Continues the progressive sound with fresh themes and dynamic compositions.
Paradox Hotel
2006
Sets the stage with similar intricate melodies and vibrant instrumentation.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Snow
Spock's Beard
Explores personal narratives through intricate melodies and layered instrumentation, much like The Flower Kings.
Bridge Across Forever
Transatlantic
Shares a grand musical odyssey with virtuosic performances and progressive rock elements reminiscent of The Sum of No Evil.
Leftoverture
Kansas
Combines complex arrangements and thematic depth in a way that echoes the vibrant tapestry of The Flower Kings.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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