To Drink from the Night Itself cover

To Drink from the Night Itself

At the Gates · 2018

64 min · 17 tracks · death metal

A darkly atmospheric blend of intricate melodies and relentless aggression, echoing the band's legacy while forging a new path.

Top tracks — play these first

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    To Drink From the Night Itself — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and existential reflection through its haunting melodies and powerful riffs, making it a centerpiece of the record.
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    A Stare Bound in Stone — With its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies At the Gates' ability to blend melody with ferocity, showcasing their signature sound.
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    Daggers of Black Haze — This song stands out for its relentless pace and lyrical intensity, portraying a vivid narrative that resonates with themes of struggle and conflict.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate melodies with aggression, showcasing a matured sound while maintaining At the Gates' signature style.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual guitar harmonies that intertwine intricate melodies with aggressive riffs throughout its tracks.
  • Several tracks employ tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more atmospheric interludes, creating dynamic contrasts.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of existential despair and darkness, which are reflected in the overall tone and mood of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo exploration
  • atmospheric intensity for immersion
  • cathartic moments of release
  • dark themes with melodic depth
  • reflective listening during solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 18, 2018, 'To Drink from the Night Itself' marks At the Gates' first full-length album since their reunion in 2014 and follows their acclaimed return with 'At War with Reality'. This album reflects a matured sound, showcasing their evolution while paying homage to their roots in melodic death metal.
Stylistic neighbors
In Flames· Dark Tranquillity· Soilwork

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Der Widerstand 1:28
  • 2 To Drink From the Night Itself 3:23
  • 3 A Stare Bound in Stone 4:08
  • 4 Palace of Lepers 4:05
  • 5 Daggers of Black Haze 4:42
  • 6 The Chasm 3:22
  • 7 In Nameless Sleep 3:37
  • 8 The Colours of the Beast 3:50
  • 9 A Labyrinth of Tombs 3:30
  • 10 Seas of Starvation 3:56
  • 11 In Death They Shall Burn 3:59
  • 12 The Mirror Black 4:42

Disc 2

  • 1 Daggers of Black Haze 4:47
  • 2 The Chasm 3:22
  • 3 A Labyrinth of Tombs 3:32
  • 4 The Chasm (demo version) 3:21
  • 5 The Mirror Black 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata