Verkligheten cover

Verkligheten

Soilwork · 2019

50 min · 12 tracks · melodic death metal

Melodic death metal soundscapes intertwine aggressive riffs with atmospheric elements, creating an immersive listening experience that is both intense and reflective.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Arrival Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Verkligheten — The opening track introduces listeners to the album's thematic exploration of reality versus illusion, setting a reflective tone that contrasts with the heavier tracks to come.
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    Bleeder Despoiler — This track showcases intricate guitar work and powerful vocal dynamics, embodying Soilwork's signature blend of melody and aggression while addressing themes of inner turmoil.
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    Stålfågel — Stålfågel features a captivating chorus and a mix of clean and harsh vocals, highlighting the band's versatility and ability to create memorable hooks within a heavy framework.
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    The Wolves Are Back in Town — This energetic song stands out for its driving rhythm and lyrical commentary on societal issues, resonating with fans who appreciate both musicality and message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album balances aggression with atmospheric elements, showcasing strong compositions and solid production.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered guitar harmonies and a gradual build-up, setting a thematic tone for the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh growls, creating dynamic contrasts within the songs.
  • The last three tracks feature slower tempos and more atmospheric arrangements, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with haunting melodies
  • immersive atmosphere for deep focus
  • balanced progression with satisfying resolutions
  • engaging riffs that evoke intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality after a four-year gap and solidifies their genre presence.
Career context
Verkligheten marks Soilwork's first album in four years, following the experimental record The Ride Majestic. This release solidifies their presence in the melodic death metal genre while showcasing a mature sound that balances aggression with melody. It represents a continuation of their evolution, blending traditional roots with new influences.
Stylistic neighbors
In Flames· Dark Tranquillity· Arch Enemy

Tracklist

  • 1 Verkligheten 1:44
  • 2 Arrival Start here 3:47
  • 3 Bleeder Despoiler 3:36
  • 4 Full Moon Shoals 4:46
  • 5 The Nurturing Glance 5:24
  • 6 When the Universe Spoke 5:22
  • 7 Stålfågel 4:25
  • 8 The Wolves Are Back in Town 3:24
  • 9 Witan 3:48
  • 10 The Ageless Whisper 5:01
  • 11 Needles and Kin 4:57
  • 12 You Aquiver 4:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata