What makes The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide by Leviathan notable?

This album has become a cult classic within the black metal community, noted for its innovative approach to dark ambient soundscapes. Its impact is highlighted by numerous endorsements from influential figures in the genre and its inclusion in various lists of essential black metal albums. Released in 2003, The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide is Leviathan's second album, following their debut, True Traitor, True Whore. At this point in his career, the project was gaining recognition within the underground black metal scene for its unique blend of sonic intensity and atmospheric depth.

How many songs are on The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide?

The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide has 10 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide

Leviathan · 2003

71 min · 10 tracks · black metal

A harrowing exploration of despair, blending black metal aggression with haunting ambient textures to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fucking Your Ghost in Chains of Ice — This track encapsulates the album's themes of isolation and torment through its relentless pacing and chilling melodies, setting a stark mood that pervades the record.
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The Bitter Emblem of Dissolve — With its intricate arrangements and emotional weight, this piece showcases Leviathan's ability to fuse raw aggression with haunting ambiance, exemplifying the album's duality.
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At the Door to the Tenth Sub Level of Suicide — The lengthy finale serves as a culmination of all preceding themes, weaving together despair and existential reflection in a sprawling sonic landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines black metal aggression with ambient elements, creating a unique atmosphere.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief ambient track that sets a dark tone before launching into aggressive guitar riffs and blast beats.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental passages where ambient textures dominate, creating a sense of desolation.
The vocals are often layered and distorted, blending into the instrumentation rather than standing out as a separate element.
The final track is notably longer, incorporating gradual shifts in dynamics that lead to an unsettling conclusion.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Introit 1:14
2 Fucking Your Ghost in Chains of Ice 5:40
3 Sardoniscorn 9:54
4 The Bitter Emblem of Dissolve 5:55
5 Scenic Solitude and Leprosy 6:44
6 He Whom Shadows Move Towards 6:37
7 Submersed 3:15
8 Mine Molten Armor 7:03
9 The Idiot Sun 9:33
10 At the Door to the Tenth Sub Level of Suicide 15:02

What to play next

Listen next

Live in Eternal Sin / The Speed of Darkness

2003

Go back to

Howl Mockery at the Cross

2002

Full Leviathan discography Artists like Leviathan

black metal dark ambient

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata