Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Oct 26, 2010
    90
    The mix is somehow both spacious and full, with each instrument clearly audible at all times, yet making up one part of a majestic whole. This is a great psychedelic hard rock album, only occasionally returning to the sludgy metal of Kylesa's early releases.
  2. Nov 4, 2010
    78
    Spiral Shadow assimilates both paradigms as if Jane's Addiction and Kyuss shared leathers.
  3. Kerrang!
    Oct 25, 2010
    80
    This is still towering, hazy, stoner metal--it's just shaped with more craft than once before and is therefore far more interesting. [16 Oct 2010, p.50]
  4. Nov 2, 2010
    84
    Whether bellowed by Philip Cope or sung with witchy intensity by Laura Pleasants, just about every song has a chorus that immediately stamps itself on your brain. In that sense, Spiral Shadow is damn near a pop album.
  5. Nov 4, 2010
    80
    These perennial up-and-comers are now operating at an elite level. Welcome to the upper tier of American metal, kids.
  6. Nov 4, 2010
    80
    In a career full of successful fusions of metal, psych, crusty punk and indie rock, Spiral Shadow is another triumph.
  7. Revolver
    Nov 1, 2010
    80
    Kylesa nods toward their feral past as choruses make muscular concessions to hardcore floor-punches. But other tracks are their artiest and dreamiest yet. [Nov/Dec 2010, p.96]
  8. Oct 25, 2010
    90
    Spiral Shadow might just be the album of the year so far. All hail the kings (and queen) of nouveau-prog.
  9. Oct 26, 2010
    70
    The 78-minute Spiral Shadow supersizes everything, from song lengths to layers of deep-focus space-rock effects, but the sprawling songs are still built around riffs as sweaty as a south Georgia summer.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Nov 27, 2010
    10
    Spiral Shadow is a fantastic album. It is intense, sludgy, psychedelic, and harmonic. I jumped on the Kylesa bandwagon at Static TensionsSpiral Shadow is a fantastic album. It is intense, sludgy, psychedelic, and harmonic. I jumped on the Kylesa bandwagon at Static Tensions (also a fantastic album) and I'm very pleased with their newest output. Their maturation as a band is clear on this effort, and it is much more consistent than their past efforts. From top to bottom this album is flawless. If you enjoy metal, give this album a spin. Full Review »