Low released their seventh studio album, “The Great Destroyer,” in 2005, marking their first release on record label Sub Pop, which they would continue to release on for the rest of their run.
This album would also mark a significant turn in their sound, moving further from their typical “slowcore” sound – a genre they’re credited with heavily popularizing despite their rejection of it – to a more rock-centric sound, with noise and abrasion the likes of which was rarely seen in their discography beforehand.
The album also sees a more upbeat vision from the band, though some songs may still err more on the darker side in terms of lyricism, such as “Just Stand Back,” with lyrics like “One more step and I’ll slit your neck / You’ll get used to it / You better just stand back / I could turn on you so fast” heavily contrasting the upbeat, almost playful rock instrumental.
However, the band still makes sure to include some down-tempo melodies in the mix, such as “Silver Rider,” which incorporates elements of a story by frontman Alan Sparhawk about two twin brothers who fight without knowing they’re related, which is also where the album’s title comes from. However, the story is hardly expanded upon intentionally, as, according to Sparhawk, “It’s about not having answers.”
The title also begs the question, what exactly is the Great Destroyer? “Walk into the Sea,” the album’s closer, finally gives us the answer. It’s present throughout much of the album in different forms and sung about in different contexts; “Time’s the great destroyer / Leaves every child a bastard.”
Yet, despite the existential nature of the revelation, the album manages to close on a hopeful, endearing remark: “When it finally takes us over / I hope we float away together.”
Rating: 8.5/10