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

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  1. JohnK
    Oct 21, 2007
    0
    Absolutely awful. I liked thrice in the sub-city days, but these guys are way overstepping their musical boundaries. Bad Massive Attack-esque electro coats the second half, while the first half is completely monotonous color-by-numbers screamo. Do yourself a favor and break out Identity Crisis instead of wasting your money on a washed up album by a band trying to reinvent themselves.
  2. AndrewW.
    Oct 21, 2007
    0
    Thrice should not be recording music anymore. This record is awful. Bland, predictable.
  3. mercutio665
    Nov 21, 2011
    2
    This is one of the most unforgivably awful albums I've had the misfortune of spending money on. Thrice seemed more in love with the idea of releasing a quadruple album reflecting the 4 elements than they were with writing it. This is unfocused, convoluted and fundamentally poor songwriting. "Fire" is loud and monotonous, with a lack of memorable moments. "Water" is drab and boring. BothThis is one of the most unforgivably awful albums I've had the misfortune of spending money on. Thrice seemed more in love with the idea of releasing a quadruple album reflecting the 4 elements than they were with writing it. This is unfocused, convoluted and fundamentally poor songwriting. "Fire" is loud and monotonous, with a lack of memorable moments. "Water" is drab and boring. Both sections are mediocrity at it's finest, dabbling with two completely different sounds that they themselves have done far better in the past.
    Thrice has always been a band who walks to their own drum, and this time they do it at their own expense. Their decision to self-produce this record was ambitious, and one that was apparently hastily made. Though they hoped to forge new ground, this first installment of the 4 elements project falls decidedly flat.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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]
  2. Billboard
    70
    This smart and fascinating album could use some subtlety, rather than bashing the concepts into the earth.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    The cleaving of The Alchemy Index into awkward chunks of opera violates a fundamental rule of prog rock: Go all the way out, or don't go at all.
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