Symbolic opens the record up with lyrics speaking of youth and innocence. Chuck Schuldiner is melancholically looking back, detailing how he is left wondering how it all changed so quickly. He explains that this is because of how gradual and “invisible” it all feels when you’re young — even things that are *symbolic* later on. Instrumentally, we’re treated to an impressive range of contrasting sections, tight performances and fantastic vocal delivery. This is especially true for the chorus since the “symbolic acts, so vivid” line is sung in a greatly wholehearted manner; additionally, it boasts a subtle but significant use of delay effects. Despite its greatness, the cut is a tad long-winded and simple compared to stronger moments in the record; it’s just short of being a highlight.

Mid 9.

Zero Tolerance: here, the lyrics are quite cryptic except for the blatantly religious overtones. They seem to be drawing a parallel between the lack of *tolerance* of God, and the damaging dogmatic dispositions of religious authority. Instrumentally, this cut is absolute insanity: the vocals remain consistent (as they will for the rest of the record), the riffs are euphoric and energetic, every single section sounds immense and flows amazingly, and —finally—, the solo is an absolutely perfect showcase of tone and performance. An especially noteworthy moment in the track is the halfway switch which never fails to blow my mind.

High 9.

Empty Words is a massively jarring and poetic ode to meaninglessness. More specifically, the unfruitful attempts at human connection, ultimately remaining “confined” due to the inconsequential nature of our *empty words*. Instrumentally, this song is an immaculately larger-than-life amalgamation of all of the top-notch qualities that this record boasts; showcasing more fantastic contrast between sections —each of them with their own unique and energetically evocative riffs—, powerful vocals, and memorably noteworthy guitar work.

10.

Sacred Serenity begins with every performer coming together to form quite an epic and fast-paced introductory arrangement before delving into the rest of the track: which features slightly more unmemorable and straightforward musical ideas than those present elsewhere.  Lyrically, this song comes from an ‘ignorance is bliss’ perspective, juxtaposing this calmness with the human afflictions that come with a worrisome cognition — especially when it comes to the passage of time.

Low 9.

1,000 Eyes is —lyrically— a wholly harrowing prediction of dystopian surveillance; painting the painful picture of the dilution of secrecy for generations to come… until even memories of privacy are altogether lost. Moreover, this is, once again, a water-tight instrumental that manages to never lose inertia or emotive intensity. This is by virtue of the intricate guitar compositions and the high-spirited performances delivered by everyone, as well as due to the mind-blowing, unforgettably echoing ending.

High 9.

Without Judgement is quite a lyrical highlight within the record. It speaks of our constant, condescending, and premature criticism of others — and what we stand to gain if we reconsider it. Instrumentally, this cut features some of the most ambitious changes between sections, with one constantly feeding off of the last; which is a structural feat that’s nothing short of fantastic — with the midway switch in inertia being the most worth mentioning. However, maybe this track overdoes it because some sections don’t connect with the next as well as others; but the sheer amount of shifts is impressive in its own right.

Low-Mid 9.

Crystal Mountain is quite an impactful attack on willful ignorance in the context of religion. It (more specifically) focuses on the pain inflicted on others due to religiously justified bigotry. Firstly —in the instrumental department—, the introductory riff immediately pumps energy that is juxtaposed beautifully against the more reverb-heavy and cavernous arrangement introduced thereon. Moreover, the drumming is absolutely pristine in this verse — showcasing masterful mixtures of cymbal and double bass drum performances.

Low-Mid 9.

Misanthrope is a truly interesting narration of “curious life forms” watching us from above, left scratching their heads as to why our hateful or self-important acts damage all that we should consider important and imperative to protect; especially, showing pity for that which was “lost to the power of fragile, frightful minds”. Instrumentally, this cut sacrifices some of the intricacy present in the rest of the record in order to deliver some of the most euphoric and thrilling performances — it truly is the song that feels the most like a wave of unabashed raw energy within the album. Finally, it’s yet another song with a gigantically applaudable left turn at the midway point.

Low-Mid 9.

Perennial Quest is a full-blown and epic exploration of the journey that is the day-to-day; acting as an emotive statement on the human condition and the search for anything that propels us forward. Additionally, it details our innate tendency to gravitate towards preferring happiness and how we reach out for it continuously. On the instrumental side of things, this cut is the longest on the record due to its inspiring instrumental outro; featuring acoustic guitar and a variety of enveloping guitar swells. However, as admirable as this song is as a whole, it is lacking in sophistication and energy — an unfortunate thing to say for a track of this duration.

Low-Mid 8.