Vertikal
Cult of Luna · 2013
65 min · 9 tracks · post-metal
A sprawling, atmospheric exploration of desolation wrapped in heavy riffs and haunting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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I: The Weapon — This track serves as a powerful centerpiece, showcasing the band's ability to build tension through slow, heavy riffs that evolve into an explosive climax.
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Vicarious Redemption — At nearly twenty minutes long, this track exemplifies Cult of Luna's knack for creating immersive sound journeys that explore themes of loss and existential despair.
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In Awe Of — This song combines ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness, reflecting the album's overarching theme of juxtaposing beauty and darkness within a vast sonic landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Vertikal's expansive sound and intricate arrangements mark it as a significant entry in post-metal.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with several exceeding eight minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric shifts.
- Each song incorporates layered instrumentation, often blending heavy guitar riffs with ambient soundscapes that create a sense of depth.
- The use of dynamic contrasts is prominent, with sections alternating between quiet, introspective moments and explosive climaxes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- sprawling atmospheric explorations of desolation
- patient builds with heavy riffs
- immersive soundscapes for reflection
- haunting melodies that linger
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate, punchy tracks
- seek upbeat, fast-paced energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2013, Vertikal marked Cult of Luna's return after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, Eternal Kingdom. This record represented a shift in their sound, embracing more atmospheric and experimental elements while maintaining their signature post-metal heaviness.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The One 2:06
- 2 I: The Weapon 9:19
- 3 Vicarious Redemption 18:44
- 4 The Sweep 2:40
- 5 Synchronicity 7:13
- 6 Mute Departure 9:06
- 7 Disharmonia 0:45
- 8 In Awe Of 9:56
- 9 Passing Through 5:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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