Times of Grace cover

Times of Grace

Neurosis · 1999

66 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

A cathartic blend of atmospheric heaviness and introspective lyricism, drawing listeners into a visceral emotional landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Doorway — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of crushing riffs and haunting melodies, showcasing Neurosis' ability to create an immersive sonic experience.
  • →
    Belief — With its contemplative lyrics and dynamic shifts, this song encapsulates the existential themes present throughout the album, highlighting the band's introspective approach.
  • →
    Times of Grace — The title track serves as a poignant culmination of the album's exploration of inner struggle and redemption, blending heavy instrumentation with atmospheric interludes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of heavy and ambient elements creates a unique sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build intensity through layered instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more ambient and introspective soundscapes.
  • Several tracks incorporate lengthy instrumental passages that gradually evolve, creating a sense of tension and release.
  • The album closes with a track that combines both heavy riffs and softer melodic elements, blending the contrasting dynamics established earlier.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • cathartic emotional release moments
  • introspective reflection during listens
  • immersive journey through sound
  • late-night solitude and contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, Times of Grace marks Neurosis' sixth studio album and follows their critically acclaimed work, Through Silver in Blood. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers in post-metal and sludge genres, exploring deeper themes and expanding their sound with more melodic elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Isis· Cult of Luna· Mastodon

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Last You’ll Know

    A shift in perspective occurs as the narrator confronts personal demons directly for the first time on the record.

    This direct confrontation creates a raw emotional intensity that distinguishes this moment from the rest of the album's reflective tone.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Suspended in Light 1:59
  • 2 The Doorway 7:35
  • 3 Under the Surface 8:37
  • 4 The Last You’ll Know 9:14
  • 5 Belief 5:55
  • 6 Exist 1:41
  • 7 End of the Harvest 7:28
  • 8 Descent 2:57
  • 9 Away 9:35
  • 10 Times of Grace 7:22
  • 11 The Road to Sovereignty 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata