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First, let us go back. When the sleepy northwest was awakened by the entitly we now know as Agalloch, The USA really didn't have a band that could produce such a sound. Members: John Haugnm, Don anderson, & Jason William Walton, and now grouped with long-time drummer Chris Greene, Elegantly yet fluidly mix the elementms of FOLK, BLACK METAL, NEO CLASSICAL, POST ROCK, AND AMBIENT GUITAR DRIVEN SOUNDSCAPES. I'm not saying that the existance of other artists of the caliber do not exist in the USA, I am saying that if they do exist, they are way, way underground. With the release of early recordings such as "From Whick Of This Oak" & the 1998 promo simply titled "Agalloch", the band's fanbase was constantly growing... until the release of the first album "Pale Folklore" and followed soon after by "Of Stone Wind and Pillor" ep. At this point the band was still reletively unknown and as most bands, they were getting more buzz in the european circles before the USA. With the release of "The Mantle". EXPLOSIVE ENERGY erupts from the metal fan zines and internet forum.. boasting what the USA has brougth to the scene.. With alot of help from thier label THEEND RECORDS, Agalloch saw a few small tours and one-offs in 2002 - 2004, finally co-headlining the DAY OF THE EQUINOX festival in toronto, long side were a huge act form Norway, Green Carnation. This brings the story up to speed, shall we move onto the present?.... I myself have been an avid fan of this band for about 4 years now... shelling out wads of cash for every limited release and ep.. 7", 10", double coloured 12" editions.. etc..etc.. always looking for the next item to add to the collection. The waters have become stagnant. it's been 4 years since the release of "The Mantle", fans are restless and itching for thier next fix. OMFG!! I wanted this album so bad, I could hardly wait... and now here it is. "Ashes Against The Grain" is a fantastic virage of folkish-black-on-white-clouds-of-guitar-virtuosity!! Johns vocals again stepping forward, increasingly full of emotion and angst, sorrow and despair. The guitar work (via- Don Anderson) on this album would by far be the most progressive to date, in review of the back catalogue. I didn't say it was prog!! dammit! The riffs are far more complex and they compliment the other musical elements as a whole. drumming (chris green) and bass (J.W.W.) is textbook "agalloch" sound. J.W.W. is by far more eclectic than most bassists, together working to hold most of the ground work for this amazing album and thier all-too inspiring sound! Don't worry about your favorite band changing on you! the album is amazing... and i give it a 10/10 or 666/666 whatever.. it's f**king amazing! At times the music lulls me into an amazing thought pattern.. the guitars and drums working in harmony to trance me into a state of perpetual melodic metal eupohoria. Johns vox, both melodic and harsh in almost every song, are there to narrate the story for me as the listener.. I can't say anymore.. I would never be able to stop.. Lastly, Flat out! If you own any other albums/releases by these guys .. you know what to expect and you really don't need to read any reviews to know that you want to and will buy it... and please only download it if your paying, these guys all have jobs and work hard for their money too! Internet music piracy is wrong.Read full review
This is a great atmospheric black metal album. I am pretty new to black metal and this is a great way to be introduced to it. Very beautiful and inspired. The production is top-notch.
It's the best expiremental black metal album so far in 2007! The mixed of gutteral and clean vocals are incredible. Haven't been able to stop listening to it or recommending to my friends. A must have!
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