What makes When the World Becomes Undone by A Pale Horse Named Death notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its lyrical depth and sonic cohesion within the alternative metal genre. It helped the band gain traction in the underground metal community, further expanding their fanbase and influencing emerging acts within the doom and gothic metal scenes. When the World Becomes Undone is A Pale Horse Named Death's third studio album, following their 2013 release, Lay My Soul to Waste. The band continued to develop their signature blend of gothic and doom metal, solidifying their sound while exploring deeper emotional themes. This album arrived at a time when the band was establishing its identity in a crowded metal scene.

How many songs are on When the World Becomes Undone?

When the World Becomes Undone has 13 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

When the World Becomes Undone

A Pale Horse Named Death · 2019

61 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal

Heavy, brooding riffs intertwine with melancholic melodies, creating a haunting atmosphere that evokes despair and reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When the World Becomes Undone — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of existential dread and introspection, showcasing the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics.
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Love the Ones You Hate — This track stands out for its exploration of complex emotions, combining aggressive riffs with an almost melodic chorus that juxtaposes anger and vulnerability.
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We All Break Down — With its slow build and cathartic release, this song effectively illustrates the struggle against personal demons, making it a powerful representation of the album's emotional core.

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 blends heavy riffs with melodic elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features heavier tracks with aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective pieces.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that contrast with the heavy instrumentation, adding depth to the sound.
The final track, 'Closure', serves as a slow, atmospheric outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Closure

The moment features a stark shift in perspective as it confronts unresolved feelings directly rather than abstractly.

This direct address marks a significant tonal departure from earlier tracks, enhancing the emotional weight of seeking resolution.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 As It Begins 1:44
2 When the World Becomes Undone 6:37
3 Love the Ones You Hate 3:56
4 Fell in My Hole 5:54
5 Succumbing to the Event Horizon 1:25
6 Vultures 6:08
7 End of Days 6:31
8 The Woods 2:40
9 We All Break Down 6:10
10 Lay With the Wicked 5:05
11 Splinters 5:44
12 Dreams of the End 7:02
13 Closure 3:02

What to play next

Listen next

Infernum in Terra

2021

Go back to

Lay My Soul to Waste

2013

Full A Pale Horse Named Death discography Artists like A Pale Horse Named Death

alternative metal doom metal gothic metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata