Upon Us
Taproot · 1999
32 min · 8 tracks · alternative metal
Heavy guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dense soundscape that captures the angst of late '90s alternative metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Again & Again — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, establishing the album's emotional core and musical intensity.
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Shine — The song showcases a perfect balance between melodic hooks and heavy instrumentals, making it a standout example of Taproot's ability to navigate contrasting dynamics.
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Mirror’s Reflection — With its shorter runtime, this track distills the band's angst into a compact form, highlighting their lyrical depth and knack for catchy melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy instrumentation with melodic elements, characteristic of late '90s alternative metal, but lacks standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section that contrasts with the preceding intensity.
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, but several tracks incorporate bridges that shift dynamics significantly.
- The album's final track features a fade-out ending, creating a sense of unresolved tension that echoes themes from earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective reflections on angst
- short bursts of cathartic release
- early morning emotional awakenings
- driving rhythms for focused energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lighthearted party vibes
- prefer lengthy soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon Us is Taproot's debut album, released in 1999 as they emerged from the burgeoning alternative metal scene. This album introduced their signature sound, blending melodic elements with heavier instrumentation, showcasing the band's potential following years of local performances and demo recordings.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Again & Again 3:31
- 2 Believed 4:57
- 3 Fear To See 3:59
- 4 Shine 4:01
- 5 Mentobe 4:03
- 6 Flatline 4:42
- 7 Comeback 3:59
- 8 Mirror’s Reflection 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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