Explosions In The Sky – The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place (2xLP, Anniversary, Opaque red)

Explosions in the Sky’s The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, released in 2003, is a defining album in the post-rock genre and a masterclass in emotional instrumental storytelling. Consisting of five sprawling tracks, the album moves through shimmering guitar melodies and patient, slowly building crescendos. With no lyrics, the band conveys a sense of longing, resilience, and quiet triumph through tracks like “First Breath After Coma” and “Your Hand in Mine.” The compositions are meticulously layered, creating music that feels cinematic, introspective, and deeply human.

The album was praised for its optimistic tone, offering a sense of warmth and emotional clarity not often found in the genre at the time. Its title reflects the band's intent to counter bleakness with beauty, and that philosophy resonates throughout the music. The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place became a gateway album for many listeners discovering instrumental rock and remains one of the most beloved and influential records in the band’s discography.

Reviews

"A beautiful album full of enjoyable soundscapes."

"The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place is an album about hope."

"A sweetly melodic, inspirationally hopeful album for a genre whose trademark is tragedy."

"Five expansive tracks that are beautiful, melodic, angelic, thunderous, quiet, and yes, explosive."

"Delicate and glorious, The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place is soulful without being soul music, a spiritual album without being gospel."