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. SeamusS
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    The Single Greatest Post-Rock Album Ever Made
  3. 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.
  4. [Anonymous]
    Jan 7, 2004
    10
    ANYTHING by this band is moving. I strongly recommend that anyone who appreciates music to take a look.
  5. SigurRos
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    First breath after coma=perfection made song
  6. LoganB
    May 16, 2005
    10
    Your Hand in Mine is one of the best songs I've ever heard
  7. MikeC
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    An incredible accomplishment, every song on the album is gold. It all just flows so perfectly.
  8. sigurdiego
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    impresionant!
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. MitchM
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Flat out amazing. Everything is done perfectly.
  15. cocot
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    This album makes me want to live and die at the same time.
  16. jamesl
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    stunning
  17. 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!
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. roxyM
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    poignant and moving like nothing else in contemporary music. it makes me have hope for music of the future.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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 (:
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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 :)
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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 »