Ultraviolet cover

Released 8 years ago this October

Ultraviolet

Poets of the Fall · 2018

45 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, mixing introspective lyrics with soaring melodies and robust instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dancing on Broken Glass Start here — This opening track sets an energetic tone with its driving rhythm and vivid imagery about resilience amidst chaos, encapsulating the album's thematic essence.
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    My Dark Disquiet — This track delves into inner turmoil with haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to convey deep emotional struggles.
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    False Kings — With its sharp critique of authority and societal norms, this track combines powerful lyrics and a memorable chorus that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity.
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    In a Perfect World — This song stands out for its hopeful yet melancholic reflection on idealism versus reality, offering a poignant message through both lyrics and melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100
Foothills
Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and varied pacing but remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and layered guitar work, creating a high-energy start that sets an upbeat tone.
  • Tracks five through seven introduce slower tempos and more introspective lyrics, contrasting with the earlier energy.
  • The album closes with 'Choir of Cicadas', which features a gradual build-up to a climactic finish, leaving a lingering emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady flow with gradual development
  • introspective reflections on life
  • moments of atmospheric contemplation
  • emotional depth in each track
  • engaging listen for thoughtful minds

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer upbeat, high-energy music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic evolution and success in their later career.
Themes
resilience amidst chaos· inner turmoil· authenticity vs. authority· idealism vs. reality
Career context
Released on October 5, 2018, 'Ultraviolet' is the sixth studio album by Poets of the Fall, following their 2016 album 'Clearview'. At this point in their career, the band continued to evolve their sound while maintaining a strong connection with their established fanbase, showcasing their ability to tackle darker themes within their music.
Stylistic neighbors
HIM· The Rasmus· Anathema
New to Poets of the Fall? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My Dark Disquiet

    The moment shifts from introspection to a climactic plea for release, embodying a struggle against inner demons.

    This structural pivot amplifies the emotional impact, contrasting moments of vulnerability with an urgent desire for liberation.

Tracklist

  • 1 Dancing on Broken Glass Start here 3:56
  • 2 My Dark Disquiet 5:10
  • 3 False Kings 3:31
  • 4 Fool's Paradise 4:33
  • 5 Standstill 3:47
  • 6 The Sweet Escape 5:30
  • 7 Moments Before the Storm 4:26
  • 8 In a Perfect World 4:46
  • 9 Angel 4:22
  • 10 Choir of Cicadas 5:03

What to play next

Ghostlight
Listen next

Ghostlight

2022

Continues the vibrant sound with fresh themes and energy post-Ultraviolet.
Clearview
Go back to

Clearview

2016

Precedes Ultraviolet, sharing a similar sonic landscape and lyrical depth.
Full Poets of the Fall discography Where to start with Poets of the Fall Artists like Poets of the Fall
alternative rock post-grunge

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Weather Systems

Weather Systems

Anathema

Shares introspective lyrics and a blend of atmospheric rock with emotional depth.

Blackbird

Blackbird

Alter Bridge

Features soaring melodies and themes of resilience paired with robust instrumentation.

A Dying Machine

A Dying Machine

Tremonti

Explores inner turmoil and authenticity through powerful riffs and emotive songwriting.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata