Released 10 years ago
Types & Shadows
Wolves at the Gate · 2016
54 min · 13 tracks · metalcore
A dynamic blend of metalcore intensity and melodic post-hardcore elements that explores themes of struggle and redemption.
Top tracks — play these first
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Flickering Flame — This track showcases the band's ability to fuse heavy instrumentals with melodic hooks, reflecting both vulnerability and strength in its lyrics about perseverance through hardship.
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War in the Time of Peace — A powerful commentary on internal conflict, this song stands out due to its aggressive instrumentation paired with reflective lyrics that question societal norms.
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Hindsight — The final track offers a poignant reflection on growth and understanding after adversity, encapsulating the album's overarching themes through an emotive musical journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances intensity with melody, showcasing strong songwriting but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features aggressive instrumentation and high-energy vocals, while the second half shifts to more melodic passages and introspective lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate dual vocal styles, alternating between harsh screams and clean singing to enhance emotional contrast.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- powerful crescendos with emotional weight
- steady pacing for focused listening
- cathartic moments of release
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 4, 2016, Types & Shadows is Wolves at the Gate's third studio album, following their 2014 effort, VxV. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence within the Christian metal scene, building on their previous successes while further developing their sound and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- August Burns Red· The Devil Wears Prada· Fit for a King
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hindsight
The closing lines shift from regret to acceptance, emphasizing a newfound clarity gained from past experiences.
By transitioning to a tone of resolution, this moment encapsulates the album's journey from struggle to understanding.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Asleep 3:57
- 2 Flickering Flame 4:31
- 3 War in the Time of Peace 4:15
- 4 Anathema 3:30
- 5 The Aftermath 4:23
- 6 Fountain 3:33
- 7 Weary Ground 3:16
- 8 Lowly 3:40
- 9 Broken Bones 3:52
- 10 Convalesce 3:38
- 11 Chasing the Wind 4:37
- 12 Hindsight 5:16
- 13 Grave Digger 6:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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