Thrice 'Horizons/West': Every track ranked from best to worst

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the opinions of the writer

Rock band Thrice has released their latest album Horizons/West on October 3 via Epitaph Records. The album is intentionally framed as a companion/sequel to the band's 2021 Horizons/East.

While speaking about the inspiration behind the album frontman Dustin Kensrue while speaking to Knotfest said,

"A lot of this record is about parsing reality. We're constantly being influenced by algorithms, by fear, by our own social echo chambers. Horizons/West tried to pull the curtain back on some of that. We've just followed out curiosity, wherever it leads. We want to keep growing, exploring, and making something that feels honest to who we are right now."

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Thrice's Horizons/West tracks ranked from best to worst

Thrice's latest album, Horizons/West, which was released on October 3, features 11 tracks. Below, we have ranked the tracks from best to worst.

1. Distant Suns

Distant Suns is one of the most memorable tracks on the album, with a hook that could get the band radio/playlist traction. Sputnik ranked the track as "simultaneously the catchiest and most atmospheric piece on record."

2. Crooked Shadows

Crooked Shadows is where frontman Dustin Kensrue cuts loose vocally and the band reclaims post-hardcore grit. Thrice’s music features jagged guitars and shout-through-chorus intensity, marking some of the record’s most aggressive moments.

3. Albatross

Thrice released “Albatross” as a single in August 2025, and it stands out as one of the album’s standout tracks, featuring a soaring melody and an impactful visualizer/video rollout.

4. Gnash

Gnash is the album's lead single and is intentionally heavy. Social media users praised the track for its ferocity and noted that it marks the band leaning into sludge/hardcore textures.

5. The Dark Glow

Critics have called the track one of the album's mood pieces, with its eerie guitars and spine-tingling delivery. The music is moody and has a slow build with electronica and post-rock textures.

6. Undertow

Undertow is a slow burner. While it boasts solid songwriting, it is not a showstopper next to Bing's singles.

7. Vesper Light

Vesper Light has a gentle and reflective calm, and the theme opens up about small and intimate moments of hope and acceptance. While the track is memorable, it is not as compelling as the lead singles.

8. Holding On

Holding On boasts a solid composition, with mid-tempo and melodic-rock that leans on vocal delivery and texture over extreme dynamics.

9. Dusk

While the track is an interesting listen with its ghostlike electronic interlude, it's not exactly replayable for most listeners. Skippable.

10. Blackout

Blackout sets the album's stormy tone, but many social media users call it a mood-setting track rather than a top-tier track. The music features a brooding atmosphere.

11. Unitive/West

Unitive/West is an album closer. It is ceremonial but less decisive. Not a standout track.

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Overall, Horizons/West showcases Thrice’s continued evolution, balancing aggressive post-hardcore moments with reflective, atmospheric tracks. While some songs stand out more than others, the album as a whole reinforces the band’s commitment to experimentation and honest self-expression, making it a compelling follow-up to Horizons/East.