What makes Urn by Ne Obliviscaris notable?

'Urn' received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and lyrical depth, earning high praise from publications like Metal Injection and Heavy Blog Is Heavy. The album's intricate compositions and thematic explorations of life and death contributed to its recognition as a standout release in progressive metal for 2017. By the time 'Urn' was released in 2017, Ne Obliviscaris had already established themselves within the progressive metal scene with their previous album, 'Citadel' (2014). This third studio album continued to showcase their unique blend of genres and marked their ongoing evolution as a band, solidifying their status in the underground metal community.

How many songs are on Urn?

Urn has 6 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 9 years ago this October

Urn

Ne Obliviscaris · 2017

45 min · 6 tracks · progressive metal

Complex arrangements fuse soaring melodies with intricate rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of progressive metal that is both atmospheric and intense.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Intra Venus — This track exemplifies the band's ability to merge heavy instrumentals with haunting melodies, showcasing both aggression and beauty in their sound.
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Eyrie — Clocking in at nearly twelve minutes, this track serves as an epic exploration of musical motifs and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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Urn (Part I) – And Within the Void We Are Breathless — This piece effectively balances heavy riffs with ethereal passages, illustrating the band's range while delving into existential themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Intricate compositions and dynamic contrasts define this progressive metal album, rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album features two multi-part tracks, with 'Libera' and 'Urn' each divided into two distinct sections that explore different musical themes.
The use of both clean and harsh vocals allows for contrasting emotional expressions, enhancing the lyrical depth and thematic exploration.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.