Dopesmoker

I come back to this every few months and find something new each time.

Some truly transcendent moments here. A few tracks feel like filler but overall stellar.

There's a really great EP buried inside this album. The problem is the surrounding material dilutes the impact. When this hits, it HITS — a couple of these tracks are among the best things they've ever done. But then you get a run of three mediocre songs in a row and the momentum completely dies. I appreciate the attempt at a longer, more ambitious project, but I think this artist works better in shorter formats. The ideas here are strong but they're stretched too thin. Still worth hearing for the highlights though.

A high watermark for the genre. Essential listening.

A few good tracks don't save a mostly underwhelming album.

Probably the most perfectly sequenced album I've ever heard. Each track sets up the next one beautifully and the climax hits like a freight train. The fact that they pulled this off is honestly kind of miraculous.

Pleasant listening experience but not something I'll return to often.

One of those albums that people praise because it's 'different' and 'challenging' but different and challenging aren't inherently good. The few moments of genuine quality make the rest feel even more disappointing by comparison.

This is one of those albums where even the deep cuts could be singles. The level of quality control here is insane. You can tell every decision was agonized over and it shows in the final product. A genuine landmark.