Thrice released a pair of albums in 2007 and 2008 that comprise an anthology entitled The Alchemy Index. Four volumes split over two releases, the set is themed on the natural elements, with six-track set lists to reflect each. Might as well buy them both, thanks iTunes.

Vol 1 & 2 - Fire & Water

The abrasiveness of the fire theme is very apparent, almost to the extent that I don't want to listen to it. "Firebreather" begins the dichotomy of voal emphasis and heavy instruments, firing in short burts. "The Messenger" hints at an urban undertone that isn't present in much of Thrice's music. The last fire track, "The Flame Deluge" is just so noisy that you have no idea what you're listening to, but it dies down and leaves little evidence of what came before it. Over all, there are not enough vocals and too many mid-high levels that hurt to listen to. The water set is much more peacful. "Digital Sea" has more of that urban taste to it, but by the time it surfaces, the song is almost over. "Lost Continent" evokes a feeling of drifting away from something. This is probably the hardest set to describe. A lot of it just feels like one long track until it ends with "Kings Upon the Main", which reminds me of Silent Hill for some reason.

Vol 2 & 3 - Air & Earth

This set doesn't have as great a contrast as the first, but it's much more enjoyable. The mellowness of "Broken Lungs" and "Deadalus" make me feel like I've been listening to it for longer. This set is definitely more for driving around (I can't wait to get my car stereo working again). I wish water had been longer, but it has to match the track set. Earth begins with the catchy "Moving Mountains", which has the live performance thing really going on. This has to be the saddest theme of all, particularly relating earth with mortality in "Digging My Own Grave". It's not all sad; "The Earth Isn't Humming" is pretty funky and more of the instrumental melange that I prefer from Thrice, rather than the thrash of fire.

Overall, I really wish that Thrice had released this as one set. With the death of physical media removing track limitations, albums can be any size at this point. Might as well sell anything called "volumes" in collected anthologies... unless it's about the money! Oh well, $20 well spent.