Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 2 - Earth
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. All Music Guide
    Feb 14, 2012
    80
    This is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor and, for all of its melodic sheen, darker and moodier.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    Feb 28, 2012
    75
    Instead of it being just another Earth 2.0 album though, the completed Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light is a successful experiment in sounding absolutely huge while doing so little, and the confirming masterstroke of Carlson's new direction.
  3. Consequence of Sound
    Feb 13, 2012
    80
    It's incredibly beautiful and soothing--perfect music for laid-back late-night hours.
  4. BBC Music
    May 9, 2012
    80
    It's better to simply view this opus as a beautifully deconstructed blues that's equally effective as a paean to careworn Americana or as a sparsely-drawn exercise in restraint, meditation and composure.
  5. Dusted Magazine
    Apr 26, 2012
    80
    An enjoyable, at times provocative companion piece, this one's a satisfying musical bath.
  6. No Ripcord
    Mar 5, 2012
    100
    Overall, this album contains some of the most original and hypnotically brilliant rock music ever recorded.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 29, 2012
    100
    Traceable by touch, cogent in dreams, the fibers of its text bear the weight of a psychedelic meisterwerk.
  8. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Feb 27, 2012
    90
    It is certainly every bit its predecessor, but through a more meditative, contemplative use of elements it is even better.
  9. The Quietus
    Feb 17, 2012
    80
    It feels more that Earth have given us time to absorb what may come to be seen, in retrospect, as something of a magnum opus.
  10. Beats Per Minute (formerly One Thirty BPM)
    Feb 17, 2012
    78
    All that need really be said is that it is sublime; both in terms of execution and aesthetics.
  11. PopMatters
    Feb 16, 2012
    80
    This is an accomplished and valiant album, a more-than-worthy heir to its sensational predecessor.
  12. The A.V. Club
    Feb 14, 2012
    75
    At its best, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II shimmers and mesmerizes like a mirage; but like a mirage, it also quenches less than it should.
  13. Pitchfork
    Feb 14, 2012
    79
    This version of Earth has simply given Carlson more room and more assistance to explore, well, darkness and light--in his own time, of course.
  14. The Guardian
    Feb 13, 2012
    100
    This is easily the equal of, if not superior to, its illustrious companion.
  15. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 13, 2012
    90
    Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II represents not only the most overt and successful attempt to capture the patience, subtlety and fluidity of Earth's talented cast, but also the most accurate document of their patient, stoical and determinedly psychedelic ethos.
  16. musicOMH.com
    Feb 13, 2012
    70
    For now, this is a hypnotic, well executed, if not altogether thrilling collection.
  17. Under The Radar
    Mar 21, 2012
    60
    Earth are masters of this weird genre they've slowly, deliberately carved themselves. [Mar 2012, p.83]
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  18. Kerrang!
    Mar 12, 2012
    80
    This is sparse, atmospheric and utterly compelling. [19 Feb 2012, p.51]
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  19. Mojo
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 2 is a looser affair, showcasing Carlson's improvisational chemistry with long-term percussionist Adrienne Davies, bass player Karl Blau and cellist Lori Goldston. [Mar 2012, p.102]
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  20. Uncut
    Feb 13, 2012
    60
    It does feel [like] a somewhat softer collection than its predecessor. [Feb 2012, p.84]
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