The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
by Explosions in the Sky
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 112 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 126
  3. Negative: 12 out of 126

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  1. TraceyR
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    Sublime
  2. LoganB
    May 16, 2005
    10
    Your Hand in Mine is one of the best songs I've ever heard
  3. ArmandT
    Sep 1, 2006
    9
    Like all post-rock albums, this album requires some patience. And all the songs employ the same compositional pormula. Get past that, however, and prepare to be drawn into a 45-minute emotional trip.
  4. MikeC
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    An incredible accomplishment, every song on the album is gold. It all just flows so perfectly.
  5. sigurdiego
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    impresionant!
  6. SeamusS
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    The Single Greatest Post-Rock Album Ever Made
  7. JorgeS.
    Jan 20, 2004
    10
    45 minutes of jawdropping beauty, with 'Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean' as the centerpiece of this magnificent album.
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jan 7, 2004
    10
    ANYTHING by this band is moving. I strongly recommend that anyone who appreciates music to take a look.
  9. j
    Jul 10, 2004
    9
    Gorgeous, cascading sheets of sound. The wordless grace of "Your Hand in Mine" moves me to tears every time
  10. SigurRos
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    First breath after coma=perfection made song
  11. DeclanM.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    very interesting and well worth investigating more accessible than godspeed and similar to Mogwai without vocals.
  12. RobertA
    Jan 9, 2004
    9
    Great. Explosive.
  13. AlexL
    May 7, 2004
    10
    I haven't taken this CD out of my CD player for 6 weeks. This is truly an amazing album.
  14. IanD
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    Whilst there is little that can be said about "post rock" that hasn't been said before, there is a wealth of emotion stirred up by this long-player; feelings that haven't been stroked since "Emperor Tomato Ketchup" or "Lift Yr. Skinny Fists...". Comparisons with other bands are out of the question, it is other bands who should be compared to EITS. A startling wake-up call to all Whilst there is little that can be said about "post rock" that hasn't been said before, there is a wealth of emotion stirred up by this long-player; feelings that haven't been stroked since "Emperor Tomato Ketchup" or "Lift Yr. Skinny Fists...". Comparisons with other bands are out of the question, it is other bands who should be compared to EITS. A startling wake-up call to all those who have preconceptions about experimental music.… Expand
  15. cocot
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    This album makes me want to live and die at the same time.
  16. AndyW
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this record. Every song is an outstanding piece, and they've blown my mind in so many ways. It's even so hard to try and pick the best song off it, because every song is well done in their own way. Explosions In the Sky will always be The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this record. Every song is an outstanding piece, and they've blown my mind in so many ways. It's even so hard to try and pick the best song off it, because every song is well done in their own way. Explosions In the Sky will always be remembered for this outstanding record.… Expand
  17. MartyM
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    The only album I have given a 10 to. Amazing stuff. Takes me to a place that I never knew existed.
  18. RyanB
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    at times Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place is relaxing enough and beautiful enough to let me look at my life objectively and be absolutely content. At other times it gets so powerful i can't sit still. i don't know whether to run down the street or fall to my knees. it's like the 5 song soundtrack to the most important 46 minutes of my life.
  19. ThomasvonPaul
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    Throughout this album the first time I listened to it I felt nostalgic, cathartic, and even on the verge of tears. It has remained a part of my life since.
  20. InstantStreet
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    This record really means a lot to me. It's a whole movie, a whole story without any words. Every time you listen, another movie unfolds. It's incredible, believe me.
  21. CodyD
    Jun 29, 2006
    0
    There's not even any words! How crappy is this.
  22. GuyH
    Apr 12, 2007
    3
    By far the worst album I have purchased recently. This band are miles behind Sigur Ros, Godspeed!, Mogwai, Isis, etc. Just dull...
  23. LaurieA
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    The best album i have ever heard! and i have heard many. They come up with the best parts that i thought i guitar could handle. I have their second Cd and that is just as good, i have also heard some of the stuff from their first album 'How strange, innocence' and every riff and loop i have heard have been great and peaceful. Keep it up guys From Laurie
  24. EricD
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    The bombast and instrumentation of Mogwai meets the compositions and epic nature of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Perfect. No time is wasted on techinca noisel wankery or unrecognizable vocal snippets.
  25. EmilieP
    Apr 10, 2005
    9
    It's like having a dream about flying.
  26. josak
    Nov 4, 2006
    10
    This is an amazing, gorgeus album, and one of my favorites of all time. I can almost guarantee that if your an open-minded person, you'll love this band. Highly recommended.
  27. MitchM
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Flat out amazing. Everything is done perfectly.
  28. jamesl
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    stunning
  29. MaxC
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Everytime I hear this album, I look up reviews for it. How is it not mentioned more? It is an amazing album and while I agree its not on the same level as Sigur Ros...Its miles beyond anything else. Highly Recommended.
  30. JonF
    Jan 12, 2004
    8
    Though not as emotionally compelling as their previous album ("Those Who Tell the Truth..."); "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place" still ranks as one of the best of 2003. EITS' songwriting abilities continue to improve as an ensemble and this album is an excellent second effort from a promising and talented group of guys (who all happen to be extremely nice fellows). The album is Though not as emotionally compelling as their previous album ("Those Who Tell the Truth..."); "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place" still ranks as one of the best of 2003. EITS' songwriting abilities continue to improve as an ensemble and this album is an excellent second effort from a promising and talented group of guys (who all happen to be extremely nice fellows). The album is brilliant yet I found some of the instrumentation a little repetitive. Having said that it has not left my car cd player for more than a day or two since I purchased it four months ago. … Expand
  31. juniorb
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    description: post rock with the distinguished calm to explosion guitar and drum sections. This is an amazing, emotional, introspective, powerful, and hopefilled album. EITS just has an epic sense of music and feeling. JUST GET IT!
  32. roxyM
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    poignant and moving like nothing else in contemporary music. it makes me have hope for music of the future.
  33. JadeM.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    A fantastic exploration of death and its aftermath, the birth of society and its aftermath. Glorious and grandiose, harsh and harmonious, intense and intriguing. This is a perfect album of contrasts, one song after another. Highlight songs are tracks 3 and 4.
  34. DaveJ
    Jan 15, 2009
    10
    Beyond doubt the most awe inspiring work ever. No matter what anyone says, nothing will ever be able to top this, not here, not now, not every. I will forever be changed by Explosions in the Sky; there music brought me true joy beyond expression, and it's something you'll have to experience yourself to understand.
  35. JérômeR
    Jun 15, 2009
    10
    Few have succeeded so completely in telling stories throughout music without lyrics such as Explosions in the Sky in The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place. The sound suggests, the vision comes, First Breath After Coma is really a post rock masterpiece. I especially like the drummer.
  36. Zhaek
    Jul 4, 2011
    10
    This is one of the most intense and emotional albums all time. It still gives me goosebumps after playing the album over and over again. Imo the best post-rock band there is (:
  37. firehazard42
    Feb 13, 2015
    10
    If you told me it's possible to sing with a guitar a few months ago, I wouldn't believe you. After listening to this band and this album however, I have learned that its not only possible, but it's beautiful.
  38. Tommyx29
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place could be the greatest piece of music ever written. This music took me to outer space where I watched planets explode and then gently guided me back to my childhood playground where I watched myself grow up, and eventually to memories I thought I had forgotten from long ago. The smell of fall, dry cold air, care free with no responsibility, true love lost,The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place could be the greatest piece of music ever written. This music took me to outer space where I watched planets explode and then gently guided me back to my childhood playground where I watched myself grow up, and eventually to memories I thought I had forgotten from long ago. The smell of fall, dry cold air, care free with no responsibility, true love lost, lovers in the middle of a lake. Thank you Explosions in the Sky.… Expand
  39. Toblerone
    Feb 10, 2014
    10
    This is by far the best instrumental album I have listened to. The sounds ebb and flow like the ocean, sometimes gently caressing the beach, and sometimes crashing against the rocks at full force. The timing between melancholia and passion is perfect. Expect an emotional post-rock symphony :)
  40. chapmania
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    More than 10 years on, this album - without saying a word - tells the most complex and beautiful narrative.

    Somehow, time has only enhanced its epic stature ( - and that is no overstatement). Though the sound remains the same, the album grows with you and, as the years pass, you're able to connect with new sections in ways you hadn't previously considered. Truly as close to the word    More than 10 years on, this album - without saying a word - tells the most complex and beautiful narrative.

    Somehow, time has only enhanced its epic stature ( - and that is no overstatement). Though the sound remains the same, the album grows with you and, as the years pass, you're able to connect with new sections in ways you hadn't previously considered.

    Truly as close to the word 'masterpiece' as more recent music can get. This is art - not some collection of rhyming words sloppily thrown together to a catchy beat. It aims to reach out and affect the listener, as if to say, "We're living in the same world and having the same experiences as you. It's not always perfect, but there is beauty in the struggle. And in the end, once it's all over, only beauty remains." (see the final track for that absolute beauty)

    Ultimately, the title hits home after listening - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, and this album is testament to that.    … Expand
  41. Sil3nt
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    That was incredible. Very Sensational the band lifts high notes and delivers the best rock instrumental album I've ever listened to. Having lots of diversification and coherence at the same time with lot of creativity and mind-blowing guitar magic. Every song is a diamond. the album makes me want to fly. Very Masterful. Your hand in mine stays unbeatable as the greatest song of the wholeThat was incredible. Very Sensational the band lifts high notes and delivers the best rock instrumental album I've ever listened to. Having lots of diversification and coherence at the same time with lot of creativity and mind-blowing guitar magic. Every song is a diamond. the album makes me want to fly. Very Masterful. Your hand in mine stays unbeatable as the greatest song of the whole post-rock and maybe more. in one word : Golden.… Expand
  42. lecalle
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    this album is a true masterpiece. hits me right in the feels. i remember back in the day when i had to wait for a bus or train, i´ll blast the only moment we where alone. it doesn't feel like waiting anymore with this track!! like a 10 minute time machine.
  43. imnamine
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    Certainly the best one from EITS. Just magnificient. It defines post-rock at its finest, I guess.
    Emotional journey, beautiful composition, 45 minutes of pure beauty.
  44. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 29, 2021
    7
    Like all post-rock albums, this album requires some patience. And all the songs employ the same compositional pormula. Get past that, however, and prepare to be drawn into a 45-minute emotional trip.An incredible accomplishment, every song on the album is gold. It all just flows so perfectly.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Album of 2003
32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2003
58
#58 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Almost Cool
    80
    There are a lot of groups out there doing this sort of music, but not very many doing it this well.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    77
    One of the most impressive aspects of The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place is that it feels constantly in flux, growing and transforming with every note.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    40
    The quartet fills out the album by executing almost eactly the same formula [as the first track] four more times... and the dramatic shock wears off quickly. [Jan 2004, p.103]
See all critic reviews »