Luciferian Towers
by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 2 out of 33
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  1. SergioAllIndie
    Sep 25, 2017
    8
    I think the biggest virtue in having three Godspeed albums throughout these last five years, is that each one of them had enough power and thrill to convince us all why no other band sounds quite like this. Not that there should. GY!BE is one of a kind, and always kinda been. On Luciferian Towers, there´s enough room for unsettlement, contemporary imagery and stark sensitivity just asI think the biggest virtue in having three Godspeed albums throughout these last five years, is that each one of them had enough power and thrill to convince us all why no other band sounds quite like this. Not that there should. GY!BE is one of a kind, and always kinda been. On Luciferian Towers, there´s enough room for unsettlement, contemporary imagery and stark sensitivity just as 2012´s Allelujah! and 2015´s Asunder... only that this time each suite works separately, and even though that puts onto risk the continuity they always have delivered their album listening experience, gives us on the other hand a bit of more nuance to their shock tactics. It´s probably more heartfelt, and more concise. This album systematically makes you give a couple of nods for Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Amen.… Expand
  2. fordmichael20
    Sep 30, 2017
    7
    This is a good Godspeed record. It's not a great Godspeed record. The Anthem for No Nation coda is Godspeed at their near best, smart and brooding to start, ending in an excellent crescendo that ranks right up there with the ending Mladic off of Hallelujah, Don't Bend Ascend, however the album as a whole is a little bit underwhelming. Overall stronger than Asunder, but weaker than theirThis is a good Godspeed record. It's not a great Godspeed record. The Anthem for No Nation coda is Godspeed at their near best, smart and brooding to start, ending in an excellent crescendo that ranks right up there with the ending Mladic off of Hallelujah, Don't Bend Ascend, however the album as a whole is a little bit underwhelming. Overall stronger than Asunder, but weaker than their category bending yet genre defining earlier masterpieces.… Expand
  3. Music_Observer
    Oct 12, 2017
    8
    Even though sonic experimentation was the dominant priority and ultimately the strongest element, this album shows the real importance of having strong linear motion and musical organization, as loose and disguised as it may be, when working with a slow, massive, stretched ambience, creating beauty at almost every turn. My Score: 142/180 (Solid) = 7.9/10
  4. Gibbous
    May 11, 2020
    7
    While not their best work by a long shot, Godspeed still delivers their message of despair and hope successfully on Luciferian Towers.

    Best tracks: Undoing a Luciferian Towers, Anthem for No State
    Worst Tracks: Bosses Hang (mostly the second half.)

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2017
    50
    Luciferian Towers is a muddled mess of underworked ideas strung together. [No. 148, p.57]
  2. Mojo
    Oct 24, 2017
    80
    The sprawling Montreal ensemble [is] nback at their most spirited, their Weltschmerz poured into wordless music of soaring transcendence and, on occasion, fierce beauty. [Dec 2017, p.91]
  3. NOW Magazine
    Oct 17, 2017
    80
    The wistful elegance of the music makes Luciferian Towers a peculiarly gorgeous portrayal of our threatening political reality. Xenophobia is on the rise and we seem to be on the brink of nuclear war, but at least we’ve got this album to provide the soundtrack.
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