What does The Terror sound like?

A haunting exploration of despair, merging dense soundscapes with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. Rooted in alternative rock and space rock. Start with "Look... The Sun Is Rising".

Is The Terror a good place to start with The Flaming Lips?

Yes, The Terror is recommended as a starting point for new The Flaming Lips listeners. A haunting exploration of despair, merging dense soundscapes with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. Released in early 2013, The Terror is The Flaming Lips' thirteenth studio album and marks a significant departure from their more accessible previous work, Embryonic. At this stage, the band was experimenting with darker themes and sonic textures, reflecting a period of artistic reinvention following the mainstream success of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

Who is The Terror for?

The Terror works well if you're into haunting soundscapes for introspection, wave-like pacing with emotional depth and dynamic exploration of existential themes.

How many songs are on The Terror?

The Terror has 11 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

The Terror

The Flaming Lips · 2013

63 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting exploration of despair, merging dense soundscapes with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Lust — Sprawling and immersive, this track captures the album's thematic essence of longing and existential dread through its hypnotic rhythms and layered instrumentation.
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Look... The Sun Is Rising Start here — Opening the album, this track establishes an atmosphere of fragile hope amidst chaos, blending shimmering melodies with unsettling undertones.
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Always There, in Our Hearts — This poignant closing track encapsulates the album's emotional journey, offering a reflective space that contrasts sharply with the preceding intensity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The Terror's experimental soundscapes and emotional depth create a unique listening experience that stands out in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a gradual build-up of layered synths and soft vocals, creating an immersive atmosphere that persists throughout.
Tracks often feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for exploration of sound rather than traditional song structures.
Several songs incorporate dissonant chords and unsettling melodies, contributing to the overall theme of despair and introspection.

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: 8/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

haunting soundscapes for introspection
wave-like pacing with emotional depth
dynamic exploration of existential themes
thought-provoking atmosphere for solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking immediate gratification
prefer upbeat, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Features a haunting sonic exploration, marking a departure from their previous sound.
Themes: cosmic despair· immersive longing
Career context: Released in early 2013, The Terror is The Flaming Lips' thirteenth studio album and marks a significant departure from their more accessible previous work, Embryonic. At this stage, the band was experimenting with darker themes and sonic textures, reflecting a period of artistic reinvention following the mainstream success of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT