The Alchemy Index Vols. I and II: Fire and Water
by Thrice
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Oct 16, 2007
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Together Fire and Water form one of the most breathtaking albums of the year. [Nov 2007, p.166]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Billboard
    70
    This smart and fascinating album could use some subtlety, rather than bashing the concepts into the earth.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    90
    As a concept album, it's halfway to becoming an amazing cycle. There are a few flaws and the second half of the collection to worry about, but so far, Thrice has produced another stunner.
  5. The A.V. Club
    67
    Fire showcases the still-maturing, melodic, sometimes very heavy post-hardcore that Thrice is forging a career out of, minus any of the emo inclinations from the band's earlier records (no whining, some screaming). By contrast, disc two, Water, focuses on Thrice's reenactment of Radiohead circa Kid A, with 27 minutes of internalizing, electro-glitch pop steered around by up-front, friendly vocals.
  6. Spin
    70
    The results are fairly stunning. [Nov 2007, p.125]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. NOW Magazine
    80
    Their clear evolution in terms of talent and ability is more than evident on songs like Firebreather and The Whaler. Between that and some pretty sweet packaging and liner notes, this is likely their best to date.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 46
  3. Negative: 5 out of 46
  1. dougparker
    Jun 27, 2013
    10
    Exceptional. Conceptually sound, strongly written, tightly preformed. While perhaps not of the same accessibility of its 'Earth/Air' sibling,Exceptional. Conceptually sound, strongly written, tightly preformed. While perhaps not of the same accessibility of its 'Earth/Air' sibling, this is one of the strange and wonderful instances of a concept album coming out in spades.… Full Review »
  2. Azasinner
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    I do not believe that Fire and Water is Thrice's best album but its definately no Vheissu. That said, It doesnt deserve the absurdly lowI do not believe that Fire and Water is Thrice's best album but its definately no Vheissu. That said, It doesnt deserve the absurdly low rating it has. The fire section of the album is strong and.... explosive, as fire should be; but the album glows on the water section. Digital sea and The Whaler makes are different from anything i've heard before in my life and are both held in high regard. Alchemy index suffers because of the friction created from the 2 different types of sounds used but music lovers of any kind should at least like the water section.… Full Review »
  3. or19937
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Amazing album. For me it was very memorable, especially lyrically; Dustin keeps writing amazing lyrics that just blow my mind over and overAmazing album. For me it was very memorable, especially lyrically; Dustin keeps writing amazing lyrics that just blow my mind over and over again with every piece they release.
    The hiatus they just announced was truly devastating for me...    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »