Ultraviolet
Kylesa · 2013
38 min · 11 tracks · sludge metal
A visceral blend of sludge and stoner metal, interwoven with melodic elements and dynamic song structures that challenge the listener.
Top tracks — play these first
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Unspoken — This track exemplifies Kylesa's signature sound, blending heavy riffs with intricate melodies, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after it ends.
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Grounded — Grounded features a powerful interplay of vocals and instruments, demonstrating the band's ability to balance aggression with introspective moments, making it a standout on the album.
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Steady Breakdown — With its relentless energy and driving rhythm, Steady Breakdown captures the raw intensity of Kylesa's live performances while showcasing their songwriting prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kylesa's 'Ultraviolet' showcases strong songwriting and production, with varied dynamics and vocal styles enhancing its distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate dual vocals, alternating between harsh screams and clean singing, adding depth to the lyrical delivery.
- The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- visceral intensity for catharsis
- dynamic shifts keep attention
- short bursts of impactful energy
- melodic moments amidst heaviness
- late-night reflective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Ultraviolet is Kylesa's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Spiral Shadow. At this point, the band had solidified their identity within the metal scene, exploring more diverse sonic palettes while maintaining their heavy roots.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Drifting
The verse shifts perspective suddenly, introducing a new emotional depth that contrasts with earlier themes.
This structural shift enhances the song's narrative complexity, inviting listeners to reconsider previous interpretations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Exhale 3:02
- 2 Unspoken 4:47
- 3 Grounded 3:13
- 4 We’re Taking This 2:41
- 5 Long Gone 3:27
- 6 What Does It Take 2:04
- 7 Steady Breakdown 4:48
- 8 Low Tide 3:35
- 9 Vulture’s Landing 3:15
- 10 Quicksand 2:35
- 11 Drifting 5:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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