The Sum of No Evil cover

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

  • →
    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.
  • →
    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.
  • →
    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.

68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

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
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata