About this album
Where they were
Winds Devouring Men is Elend's third studio album, released after their 1998 debut, Leçons de Ténèbres. At this point in their career, Elend had solidified their unique sound, merging neoclassical elements with dark ambient music, marking a significant evolution from their earlier works and establishing them within the underground scene.
Why it matters
This album helped cement Elend's reputation in the neoclassical dark wave genre, receiving critical acclaim for its atmospheric depth and intricate composition. It has influenced several artists within the dark ambient scene and remains a notable entry in discussions about early 2000s avant-garde music.
Essential tracks
- "The Poisonous Eye" — Opening the album, this track sets a chilling tone with its sweeping strings and ethereal vocals, encapsulating the overarching themes of desolation.
- "Worn Out With Dreams" — This track features poignant vocal harmonies alongside somber instrumentation, highlighting the emotional depth that defines much of the album.
- "Winds Devouring Men" — The title track combines orchestral intensity with ambient soundscapes, serving as a thematic centerpiece that mirrors the album's exploration of existential despair.
- "Silent Slumber: A God That Breeds Pestilence" — This closer encapsulates the album's atmospheric tension, utilizing layered vocals and complex arrangements to create a haunting finale.
Release Date
January 1, 2003
Artist Origin
France
Tracklist
- 1 The Poisonous Eye 6:55
- 2 Worn Out With Dreams 5:43
- 3 Charis 5:58
- 4 Under War-Broken Trees 5:36
- 5 Away From Barren Stars 7:28
- 6 Winds Devouring Men 4:38
- 7 Vision Is All That Matters 5:59
- 8 The Newborn Sailor 5:54
- 9 The Plain Masks of Daylight 6:10
- 10 A Staggering Moon 5:54
- 11 Silent Slumber: A God That Breeds Pestilence 5:18
