Before hearing Oak Pantheon, I heard grumblings about how they're just an Agalloch clone. I've still yet to hear their debut, but based on the variety and skill on display on their sophomore effort, I'd say they're much more than that. Yes, they sound quite similar to Agalloch at times (the guitar tone at the end of 'grasp the apparition' and throughout much of 'burden of growth' sounds eerily reminiscent of Ashes against the Grain) but they also prove their sense of versatility here - especially in the vocal department. 'Pavor Nocturnus' has some insanely good vocals reminiscent of Weakling that have to be heard to be believed. Other songs like the epic 'Climb' do feel more inspired by Agalloch with a slow guitar build-up and chant-like vocals, but there are more than enough ideas here to keep them from being just a copycat band. One hell of a sophomore effort
Bump |
