About this album
Where they were
Released on September 6, 2005, 'Alaska' is Between the Buried and Me's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record 'The Silent Circus.' At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves as innovators within the metalcore scene, refining their sound to include more complex arrangements and thematic depth.
Why it matters
'Alaska' received widespread acclaim for its ambitious structure and genre-blending style, charting at number 13 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The album's intricate compositions and lyrical exploration of personal struggle influenced a generation of bands in the progressive metal and metalcore genres.
Essential tracks
- "Selkies: The Endless Obsession" — This track exemplifies the band's signature shift between melodic passages and aggressive outbursts, showcasing their technical prowess and emotional range.
- "All Bodies" — Opening the album, this song sets the tone with its relentless intensity and complex rhythms, drawing listeners into the band's world.
- "Roboturner" — Featuring an innovative blend of electronic elements with heavy instrumentation, this track highlights the band's willingness to experiment while maintaining their core sound.
- "Medicine Wheel" — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts, making it a strong representation of the album’s thematic journey.
Release Date
September 6, 2005
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 All Bodies 6:12
- 2 Alaska 3:57
- 3 Croakies and Boatshoes 2:22
- 4 Selkies: The Endless Obsession 7:23
- 5 Breathe In, Breathe Out 0:55
- 6 Roboturner 7:07
- 7 Backwards Marathon 8:27
- 8 Medicine Wheel 4:18
- 9 The Primer 4:46
- 10 Autodidact 5:30
- 11 Laser Speed 2:53