Agalloch

[Txus]

This band is IMO the most underrated band in the metal scene, no kidding! I dont think Iam exaggerating when I say that these guys are as good as Opeth (maybe even better?). Their style is so hard to describe because they use alot of different instruments in their music such as guitars, drums, violin, keyboards, percussion, synths, woodchimes, acoustic guitar, bass...Just to name a few! So I dont really know what gerne Agalloch is, do you guys think it would be wrong to call them a doom/death band? Cause honestly I have no idea what genre they are. I asked a guy some days ago which genre he would categorize them as, and he said they were post-black-metal hybrid incorporating prog metal with folk elements! I was like, WTF?...shut up man! He might be right but I am not that good when it comes to genres Well anyway, Ive only got two of their albums, Pale Folklore and The Mantle.


I cant even describe my passion and love for these masterpieces, they are just ****ing perfect! Everything is just amazing, their music is just so vicious, cold, grim, beautiful, evil, dreamy....all at the same time, and with John Haughm`s awesome vocals its just the icing on the cake! If you compare Pale Folklore to The Mantle, I would say PF is more cold and grim...Its more black metallish in some way I think. While TM has alot more melodies, and not that much harsh vocals compared to PF, which dosent have to be a negative thing at all! I enjoy both records equally, cant even decide which one I like the best, cause they are both ****ing great. By the way, Iam looking for Of Stone, Wind and Pillor...But cant seem to find it anywhere. So if anyone know where I can order it, please speak up! Before I end this post I would strongly recommend every single Opeth fan out there to check these guys out! Not that I want to compare Agalloch to Opeth, cause they dont sound like each other. But because Mikael and John kinda have the same structure when it comes to building up a song. They are both great when it comes to switching from the harsh vocals to the clean, and thats what I really love about Agalloch, and Opeth as well. Both John and Mikael are the most important member in their own bands, no doubt about that. I could go on forever talking about this band, cause thats how much I love these guys. So please, go out and get anything by this band, dosent matter what...Cause I promise you, you wont get disappointed at all!:)

[Permanent Solution]

I just call them Folk Metal. I enjoy them a lot.

[Txus]

I just call them Folk Metal. I enjoy them a lot.
Yeah you maybe right they can be folk......but i really don't know...anyway it's great you enjoy them i think not too much people know about them....nice avatar BTW.

[King_Of_Terrors]

They are an awesome band. Great atmospher. I love A Celebration For The Death Of Manking, and In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion

[Txus]

They are an awesome band. Great atmospher. I love A Celebration For The Death Of Manking, and In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion
Yeah both great songs man, my favorite song at the moment is The Melancholy Spirit and also Your Were But A Ghost In My Arms.

[xizoesira]

Yes, Agalloch is better than Opeth.*

The Mantle has been a favorite of mine for a long time.

*(Not stated as the opinion it is, but I don't care if you disagree.)

[Freezing Moon]

The Mantle is great.

Agalloch = Folk Metal

Yes, Agalloch is better than Opeth.*

Haha, no contest. Agalloch blows them away, although I don't see why the two bands are being compared. They're not very similar at all.

[Mr. Ron]

Agalloch are AMAZING!!!!!


But they will never take the place of Opeth in my heart.

[AA-12]

Agalloch is awesome but they are way far away from being at the level of Opeth.

Opeth > Any band

[xizoesira]

The Mantle is great.

Agalloch = Folk Metal



Haha, no contest. Agalloch blows them away, although I don't see why the two bands are being compared. They're not very similar at all.

Eh, they probably were compared in the first place because they're both atmospheric in their ways and both tend towards longer songs. A guy would never get away with calling Agalloch prog around here though, so yeah, there isn't much comparison.

I had to say it because I'm tired of Opeth.

[Neurotoxin]

I prefer Agalloch over Opeth. Needless to say Agalloch are one of my favourite bands ever. Both full albums are masterpieces which I NEVER get sick of.

[Txus]

What i love about "The Mantle" is the story behind it, the concept is shown through the titles of the first and eighth song - "A Celebration of a Death of a Man..." "...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" (it's so nice that they use Cherokee folklore there) followed by "Desolation Song" which is kind of a grim epilogue after the hopes and love has perished. But it is quite more difficult to follow any concept behind the songs from 2-7. Well, "In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion" in my opinion depicts a man's search of deeper meaning (God if you will) behind our lives that is always shadowed and followed by death. And he basically finds that meaning or God in nature (pantheism). But still the taste is quite bitter in this song. Can't find any concept behind "Odal" because my interpretation comes from the lyrics. Yet you can hear someone walking through the snow there (maybe it's the same man from the previous song ). "I am the Wooden Doors" seems to carry on the pantheistic view - although all may seem fallen and corrupt in our world (society) there's the great majesty of nature (behind wooden doors) that can't be defiled by man ("these great wooden doors shall remain closed..." "seek not the fallen to unlock these wooden doors").
Probably the hardest song to interpret is "You were but a Ghost in My Arms". I don't take the female character there not as a human being but nature itself and the this song shows the ultimate chasm between man and nature, although the character wants to be with her. There still can't be overlooked the possibility that this song is about love between a man and a woman (I personally like the first interpretation more, it's a lot more original).
"...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" brings the grimmest conclusion to this story. Everything disappears. Problem comes with "Desolation Song" which doesn't really seem to carry the man-nature relation but just the despair of a man whose life is in ruins.
Well, these were my collected thoughts about "The Mantle".

[BoboTheRagingHobo]

Opeth > Any band


Just no.


xizoesira : I am with you on this one, as I am sick of Opeth as well.

But anywho, I love this band as well. When I first heard them, I was in shock that something like this band would have ever came from America, let alone from my hometown.

/needs to see if they ever play live

[Mr. Ron]

Just no.


xizoesira : I am with you on this one, as I am sick of Opeth as well.

But anywho, I love this band as well. When I first heard them, I was in shock that something like this band would have ever came from America, let alone from my hometown.

/needs to see if they ever play live
Why are you getting sick of Opeth? Is it because of their new album?

[Flynn]

I've had The Mantle for months now. Anyone that likes Opeth, and actually buys stuff online, will know of this band. They're decent, yet lack mass media.

[Jawaharal]

Ever since Unstable Mind sent me Pale Folklore I've been listening to these guys non-stop. These guys pwn Opeth.

[BoboTheRagingHobo]

Why are you getting sick of Opeth? Is it because of their new album?


The fanboys and the amount of talk about a band that is extremely overrated gets old after awhile.

And I am pretty sure the song The Hawthorne Passage has some relation to meaning to the actual street in Portland named Hawthorne.

[Mr. Ron]

Ok people. Lets not turn this into a "who's better" thread.

Both Agalloch and Opeth are phenominal bands that deserve respect and praise.

[Freezing Moon]

Why are you getting sick of Opeth? Is it because of their new album?

I would guess that it is because they are way over-hyped, constantly fellated, and not as good as everyone makes them out to be.

I'm not sick of the music so much as I'm sick to death of the hype over them.

[Mr. Ron]

I would guess that it is because they are way over-hyped, constantly fellated, and not as good as everyone makes them out to be.

I'm not sick of the music so much as I'm sick to death of the hype over them.
They are overhyped. But you can't argue against their great music.

[Freezing Moon]

They are overhyped. But you can't argue against their great music.
I can argue against the music plenty. I used to hate them, but now I can tolerate them and even enjoy them to some degree.

Their music can be good, but it certainly isn't AMAZING.

[Mr. Ron]

I can argue against the music plenty. I used to hate them, but now I can tolerate them and even enjoy them to some degree.

Their music can be good, but it certainly isn't AMAZING.
But the majority of their music IS amazing. IMO

[Freezing Moon]

But the majority of their music IS amazing. IMO

But that certainly does not mean that everyone else needs to like them.

[Txus]

Please lets not make this an "Why is agalloch is compared to opeth?" or "Why opeth pwns any other band" or anything like that, just discuss Agalloch that simple please.



Good Night Everyone.:thumb:

[Mr. Ron]

But that certainly does not mean that everyone else needs to like them.
Never said that everyone needs to like them.

[Toaster]

I've never heard of this band, and I've been into Opeth for years. How long have these guys been around?

[Txus]

I've never heard of this band, and I've been into Opeth for years. How long have these guys been around?
10 years.

[Freezing Moon]

Never said that everyone needs to like them.

[QUOT=Route 1E]But you can't argue against their great music.[/QUOTE]

That is basically implying the same thing.

Please lets not make this an "Why is agalloch is compared to opeth?" or "Why opeth pwns any other band" or anything like that, just discuss Agalloch that simple please

What does everyone think of the EP's/Split albums? I think they're very weak compared to the excellence that is The Mantle and Pale Folklore. Opinions?


I've never heard of this band, and I've been into Opeth for years. How long have these guys been around?

That would be because they aren't even similar, except maybe in atmosphere and the fact that they use instruments to play their music.

[xizoesira]

I haven't heard their work besides the two albums. I'll invest some time into that.

[Freezing Moon]

I haven't heard their work besides the two albums. I'll invest some time into that.

I don't think it's nearly as good, but if I am in the mood for it I might upload some to YSI later.

[Txus]

I don't think it's nearly as good, but if I am in the mood for it I might upload some to YSI later.
That would be great man cause i've only heard of The Mantle adn Pale Folklore.

[xizoesira]

I just looked at the latest EP on M-A.

Remixes? Sounds spotty to me.

Oh, the album I was listening to ended. Time to revisit.

NP: Agalloch - A Celebration for the Death of Man :cool:

[Txus]

I'm getting the Pale Folklore limited edition white vinyl with blue splatter double LP.

Profound Lore Records and Infinite Vinyl are proud to finally unleash the limited double LP version of the monument known as AGALLOCH’S mesmerizing debut, “Pale Folklore”. This timeless release is, like fine wine, one that gets better with age, a masterfully woven opus of exquisite black neo-folk metal of the highest order whose listening experience gets taken to another plane on the vinyl format. To re-live the magic that was unleashed with such an album in the vinyl format is essential…

The Pale Folklore double LP is limited to 500 copies. The regular blue vinyl edition can be purchased directly through The End Records (www.theendrecords.com), while the limited number of white vinyl with winter-blue splatter can only be purchased via Profound Lore Records. Please note that we have a very limited amount of the white vinyl with the winter-blue splatter at our disposal. So act now!

I've already ordered mine.:D

[Mother]

yes agalloch are awesome.

[Biancazzurri]

I dont understand why are you guys make comparisons between Opeth and Agalloch, although they are metal but not too close genres. Its like to say Opeth owns n'Sync, but its only a matter of taste. I love them both in same manner.

[AA-12]

But the majority of their music IS amazing. IMO
All of their music is amazing.

/ends Opeth fanboyism

What would you all suggest for a first Agalloch album? I've only heard a few random songs from them.

[Arrakakaka]

I prefer Agalloch over Opeth. Needless to say Agalloch are one of my favourite bands ever. Both full albums are masterpieces which I NEVER get sick of.
:chug:

Agalloch >>>>>>>> Opeth

Not to mention, I love Opeth. Agalloch is definetly the highest on my chain.

[Txus]

All of their music is amazing.

/ends Opeth fanboyism

What would you all suggest for a first Agalloch album? I've only heard a few random songs from them.
Go for "The Mantle".:thumb:

[paranoid923]

Agalloch is great although I have to be in the mood to listen to them. I have the mantle and should really check out Pale Folklore. How does that compare to the mantle?

[ZaaR]

I love Agalloch. I saw them a couple weeks ago at the Day of the Equinox. It was one of the best live shows I've ever seen. I almost caught the guitarists broken guitar, and met them after the show and got Pale-Folklore signed! It was one of the best nights of my life. My best friend introduced me to them, and he's one of their biggest fans... he has the Mantle and Pale-Folklore...

[craggyisland]

I love Agalloch. I saw them a couple weeks ago at the Day of the Equinox. It was one of the best live shows I've ever seen. I almost caught the guitarists broken guitar, and met them after the show and got Pale-Folklore signed! It was one of the best nights of my life. My best friend introduced me to them, and he's one of their biggest fans... he has the Mantle and Pale-Folklore...
You were at Day of the Equinox? Damn, that's lucky. I wanted to go, mainly to see Woods of Ypres, but going from England is quite a journey for one gig...

And yeah, I like Agalloch. I prefer Pale Folklore to The Mantle, though not by much, as they're both excellent.

[ZaaR]

You were at Day of the Equinox? Damn, that's lucky. I wanted to go, mainly to see Woods of Ypres, but going from England is quite a journey for one gig...

And yeah, I like Agalloch. I prefer Pale Folklore to The Mantle, though not by much, as they're both excellent.

I got a free Woods of Yypres pin. :cool:

[Txus]

Agalloch is great although I have to be in the mood to listen to them. I have the mantle and should really check out Pale Folklore. How does that compare to the mantle?
Pale Folklore is more cold and grim...Its more black metallish in some way I think, while TM has alot more melodies, and not that much harsh vocals in fact it has less vocals than PF.

[black\m/metal]

Where is Agalloch from?

[BoboTheRagingHobo]

Where is Agalloch from?


Portland Oregon.

[ZaaR]

My friend told me they lived in the forest and that's why they were called forest metal. I believed him, then I downloaded their stuff, found out everything about them, and shat in my friends mouth.

[Txus]

My friend told me they lived in the forest and that's why they were called forest metal. I believed him, then I downloaded their stuff, found out everything about them, and shat in my friends mouth.
:lol: Your friend is an idiot.

[ZaaR]

:lol: Your friend is an idiot.

He was joking. He was trying to get me to believe it, and I did.

[black\m/metal]

Oh sweet, I live in Portland!
Bobo, Do they ever play any shows around here? Becuase
I have never seen their name come up anywhere.

[Daven]

I havent listened Agalloch too much, but I have certainly heard good things about them. I have a few songs of Pale Folklore and they are good, I'll download some more now. :D

[bucket]

I've heard mostly good things about Allagoch, but I can't seem to find any albums around (doesn't suprise me).

I'll give a visit to their site someday to hear a few songs. They sound like something worth checking out.

[ZaaR]

Oh sweet, I live in Portland!
Bobo, Do they ever play any shows around here? Becuase
I have never seen their name come up anywhere.

They've only played something like 2 shows this year. A couple in the Middle East I think, and one in Toronto, because they love us Canadians.

[Jacaranda]

Portland Oregon.
I'm pretty sure only one is from Portland while the rest are from Montana.

Anyway I'm only familiar with Pale Folklore and its a great album, and according to most people here its not even their best. I'll have to check the other out.

Oh, this is a really dumb question but how do you pronounce their name? I've heard like 10 different pronunciations.

[BoboTheRagingHobo]

I'm pretty sure only one is from Portland while the rest are from Montana.


edit : nevermind. Their websites are quite wrong I can see. Oh well heh.


I listened to Pale Folklore again last night, since I haven't given it a spin in awhile. That cd is extremely good, how could I let it sit there like that. :\

And I am confused as you are with the how to pronounce the name as well. I just go with Ag - all - lock.

[ZaaR]

It's Ag-ah-lock. That's how they pronounced it at their show.

[Mr. Ron]

Hmmm....thats strange I always pronouced it as "billy". :confused:

[CARMEN77]

THIS BAND KICKS ***. I went to portland and saw the statue of the cd cover of Mantle!

[Jacaranda]

edit : nevermind. Their websites are quite wrong I can see. Oh well heh.
I got that from an interview with the lead singer... but he's quite wrong I can see. :P

Don Anderson is the only member of the band actually from Oregon. The other members are from Montana.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agalloch

[Cain]

I just picked up "The Mantle." I like nearly every aspect about it except for the vocals, which are too whisper-y and mixed low IMO.

[Ihsahn]

As I understand it they rarely play live. They toured as an opener for The Gathering on their North American tour one or two years ago, and then their only gig this year was at Day of the Equinox. They were amazing live, for the most part... but their vocalist has a tendency to sing off key. For almost an entire vocal part in I can't remember which song, mightve been Kneel to the Cross... he was singing in the wrong key.

Still, the live atmosphere is just amazing.

[ZaaR]

They also played in the Middle East.

[black\m/metal]

I wonder why it is they never tour, because that would get them alot more money and noteriety than just having a few albums, dont you think?

[periculosus]

a good band but its kinda strange, that a band from the states play this sort of music huh!!??

[Daven]

They are certainly kind of strange, but amazing. I was lsitening to Dead Winter Days and it blew me away.

[Nra4ever_17]

I have just heard a few 30 second samples, but going by that they're amazing.

[xizoesira]

Heh, that Wikipedia article says that they played with Unexpect.

Must have been a ****ing amazing show.

[Deth]

I bought The Mantle on impulse, not hearing anything from it, and I'm very glad I did. It is such a fantastic album and I've been whoring it too my friends with little luck. My favorite track is probably I Am The Wooden Doors.

[ZaaR]

Heh, that Wikipedia article says that they played with Unexpect.

Must have been a ****ing amazing show.

It was Green Carnation, Agalloch, November's Doom, Woods of Ypres, Unexpect, and Deceased. Yes, it was an amazing show.

[Ihsahn]

It was Green Carnation, Agalloch, November's Doom, Woods of Ypres, Unexpect, and Deceased. Yes, it was an amazing show.


Deceased ****ing tore the place apart, despite the bad mix.

[Dried Muffin Remnants]

I really like the atmospheric music; I just don't like the vocals.

[Mr. Ron]

Dead winter days is such a kickass song.

[ZaaR]

Deceased ****ing tore the place apart, despite the bad mix.

Were you there?

My friends and I just sat outside for Deceased, because we wanted to save our energy for Agalloch.

[Werny]

I've heard Dead Winter Days and Of Stone, Wind and Pillor. I usually despise black metal but there's something about these guys that won't let me stop listening to them!

[Mr. Ron]

I've heard Dead Winter Days and Of Stone, Wind and Pillor. I usually despise black metal but there's something about these guys that won't let me stop listening to them!
They're considered black metal?

[Freezing Moon]

I've heard Dead Winter Days and Of Stone, Wind and Pillor. I usually despise black metal but there's something about these guys that won't let me stop listening to them!

Well, that just might have something to do with the fact that Agalloch are not black metal.

[xizoesira]

They're only black metal at all by very vague and stretched boundaries.

[Freezing Moon]

They're only black metal at all by very vague and stretched boundaries.

No, they're just not Black Metal. Not in the slightest.

The vocals may sound slightly black metal, and that is about as close as you're going to get in Agalloch, and as far as I'm concerned that is not near enough of a reason to call them "black metal" or anything similar.

[xizoesira]

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. They have *very slight* influences that could cause someone like Mr Poster up there to think they're black metal.

[Mr. Ron]

Just listened to "I am the wooden doors". So awesome, I just want to dropkick someone in the face.

[Freezing Moon]

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. They have *very slight* influences that could cause someone like Mr Poster up there to think they're black metal.

I'm saying that anybody who DOES think that it's black metal is extremely ignorant and needs to take the time to figure out what black metal is before saying they despise it.

[xizoesira]

Ok.

[Cardboard Headgear]

"If this grand panorama before me is what you call God, then God is not dead"

One of my favorite lyrics around.

[Freezing Moon]

"If this grand panorama before me is what you call God, then God is not dead"

One of my favorite lyrics around.
Mine too, they write some cool lyrics.

I like the vocal performance during those too, the whisper/rasping thing is great.

[Ihsahn]

Were you there?

My friends and I just sat outside for Deceased, because we wanted to save our energy for Agalloch.


Yeah I was there. You missed out by sitting out Deceased, man.

[Ensameheten]

Awsome band indeed. Like no other. I wish they had a website. :(

[Pale-Folklore]

Awsome band indeed. Like no other. I wish they had a website. :(

hah, old thread. oh well, agalloch are great so who cares

[Txus]

haha My old thread was bumped, I'm in the mood for some Agalloch at the moment. :cool:

[Pale-Folklore]

haha My old thread was bumped, I'm in the mood for some Agalloch at the moment. :cool:

me = always in the mood

*see user name/title

i was about to go insane 'cause i thought this was going to be ANOTHER agalloch thread. im pretty sure mine was the first ever on mx and it failed miserably

[Txus]

Speaking of Agalloch... I saw From Which Of This Oak on Ebay about a month ago, and I didnt buy it... Now I regret it so much, and cry myself to sleep everyday. ****! :upset:

[Pale-Folklore]

Speaking of Agalloch... I saw From Which Of This Oak on Ebay about a month ago, and I didnt buy it... Now I regret it so much, and cry myself to sleep everyday. ****! :upset:

hah! :D

that's the first ep right?

i want to get that. the song this old cabin is so good

[Txus]

hah! :D

that's the first ep right?

i want to get that. the song this old cabin is so good
Yes it is, and I know I will not be able to find this soon...I missed my chance.

[Killtacular]

I almost made an Agalloch thread throughout the last week, but I procrastinated. Good to see there already was one.

I impulsively bought The Mantle offa eBay for 10 dollars, after only hearing it once. I really hope I made a good decision.

I also really need to hear Pale Folklore.
*nudge nudge, wink wink*

[Txus]

I almost made an Agalloch thread throughout the last week, but I procrastinated. Good to see there already was one.

I impulsively bought The Mantle offa eBay for 10 dollars, after only hearing it once. I really hope I made a good decision.

I also really need to hear Pale Folklore.
*nudge nudge, wink wink*
:eek: Good buy, I bought it for like 18 dollars....and Pale Folklore is an amazing album.

[Ensameheten]

The guitarist atrocious off-key leads was the one thing that really bothered me on Pale Folklore.

[Txus]

Off-key leads? Are you listening to the same "Pale Folklore" that I am? There's some dissonant lead guitar in there on purpose, but it's so minimal that it can't be qualified as "off-key."

[Draghkar]

Agalloch creates one of the most unique and bleakest atmospheres I've heard, or at least that's I've gathered from Pale Folklore (the only album I have attained).

[Txus]

Agalloch creates one of the most unique and bleakest atmospheres I've heard, or at least that's I've gathered from Pale Folklore (the only album I have attained).
You should listen to The Mantle IMO their best work so far.

[Deth]

The Mantle is one of my favorite albums now. I still need to get Pale Folklore though.

[Pale-Folklore]

The Mantle is one of my favorite albums now. I still need to get Pale Folklore though.

they're both great albums. i actually got both of them at day of the equinox (their only north american show of 2005 :)). the mantle is better in my opinion though

[Killtacular]

:eek: Good buy, I bought it for like 18 dollars....and Pale Folklore is an amazing album.
Dhahaha! You're jealous!!

But, alas, I haven't gotten yet. And I have no Pale Folklore. You win this time, Batman.
:upset:

[Mr. Ron]

New album coming out in January. :cool:

[Killtacular]

New album coming out in January. :cool:
Stop reminding me. I don't want to soil any more pants.

Also, didn't they say they'd be finished with the album by then, or is it a full out release?

[Mr. Ron]

Stop reminding me. I don't want to soil any more pants.

Also, didn't they say they'd be finished with the album by then, or is it a full out release?


New Album Details

Portland, Oregon's AGALLOCH have entered the studio to begin pre-production work for their third full-length album, entitled "Ashes Against the Grain". The recording process will begin December 10 and the band hopes to have the album finished by mid-January. As usual the band will be working with Ronn Chick, who has engineered and produced both of their previous albums.

Commenting on the new material, guitarist/vocalist John Haughm said, "It is huge, bleak, and more rock-based than previous albums. I am confident this will be our darkest and most sonically intense record yet."




Odds are it will come out at the end of January or February.

[Freezing Moon]

The darker the better, I'm looking forward to it.

I think The Mantle is great, and Pale Folklore is good but not as good. The EP's and other stuff they've released really hasn't impressed me. Hopefully this new album will be really good.

[Werny]

Well I should just say, I don't consider them black metal any more, it was just the vocals and atmosphere that made me think that.

Agalloch are awesome if not a little repetitive. I swear I hear the same acoustic riff in every 2nd song. They have some of the catchiest riffs ever though, like in Dead Winter Days and She Painted Fire Across the Skyline Pt. 1.

[Wohmatak]

Hello guys, I came here by accident, but when I saw you're talking about bands like Swallow The Sun or Agalloch, I just had to join ;) I've had all Agalloch CDs for some time already and they're one of my most favourite... Not only that the music is kinda ritualistic and ambient at some parts, but it's just the overall atmosphere that makes me just sit, close my eyes and listen every time I play it...

Also, the lyrics are one of the best I've ever read... They're hard to understand sometimes, but once you get into it, you discover another level of Agalloch's music...

oh and I agree that The Mantle is a bit better than Pale Folklore ;)

[Mr. Ron]

Oh man, I forgot how good "Foliorum Viridum" was. Such good atmosphere.


I would have to say that I like pale folklore and the mantle both equally, but for different reasons. For shear dark atmosphere I go to mantle, for heavier epic stuff I go to pale folklore.

[Mr. Ron]

"The recording process for Ashes Against The Grain was completed this past weekend. The album is currently being mixed and will hopefully be ready for mastering in a couple weeks. A studio gallery will be posted online shortly." - John Haughm



AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Txus]

"The recording process for Ashes Against The Grain was completed this past weekend. The album is currently being mixed and will hopefully be ready for mastering in a couple weeks. A studio gallery will be posted online shortly." - John Haughm



AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:eek: Holy crap, that´s the best news I´ve heard the whole week!

NP: Agalloch - Odal

[TemperamentalGoat]

This band is...weird. I think the "black metal" sounding vocals are quite fitting, but I would've preferred if they used more cleans. I love it whenever they slap an acoustic guitar in the song. The female operatic vocals in Pale Folklore shocked me out of my seat in a pleasant way. Very unique sound, heavy yet unabrasive. My favorite song of theirs is "Desolation Song", it sounds like it's trying to be upbeat amidst a very grim situation. Awesome contrast. Not exactly in love with them, but impressed so far.

[Mr. Ron]

Check out their album "The mantle".

[ZaaR]

This band is...weird. I think the "black metal" sounding vocals are quite fitting, but I would've preferred if they used more cleans. I love it whenever they slap an acoustic guitar in the song. The female operatic vocals in Pale Folklore shocked me out of my seat in a pleasant way. Very unique sound, heavy yet unabrasive. My favorite song of theirs is "Desolation Song", it sounds like it's trying to be upbeat amidst a very grim situation. Awesome contrast. Not exactly in love with them, but impressed so far.

She painted fire across the skyline parts 1-3 are my favorite songs by them

[Nuke Broadcast]

ive got "the mantle" and i wasnt quite sure whether i liked it or not. i guess its one of those things you have to be in a certain mood for. not bad, but...not my first choice out of the box.

[Killtacular]

You just need a few more listens. I encountered the same thing upon first listen.

It'll grow on you.

[ATC]

Does anyone know the band Escape the Day that was mentioned in Agalloch's blog? One of the members,Florian, killed himself and there was a section on him on the blog. They are awesome. Great downtempo music.
www.myspace.com/ghostless

I only wish they had their album out. But I saw the tracks on Soulseek so I'm thinking there's someone out there who has them downloaded. If anyone has it, I'd be very grateful if you could send it to me seeing as its impossible to buy the CD. If not, check out that site. Great music.

Oh, and I'm a massive Agalloch fan. The Hawthorne passage and The Great cold death of the Earth are among the best songs ever, imo.

[Mr. Ron]

Does anyone know the band Escape the Day that was mentioned in Agalloch's blog? One of the members,Florian, killed himself and there was a section on him on the blog. They are awesome. Great downtempo music.
www.myspace.com/ghostless

I only wish they had their album out. But I saw the tracks on Soulseek so I'm thinking there's someone out there who has them downloaded. If anyone has it, I'd be very grateful if you could send it to me seeing as its impossible to buy the CD. If not, check out that site. Great music.

Oh, and I'm a massive Agalloch fan. The Hawthorne passage and The Great cold death of the Earth are among the best songs ever, imo.
Escape the day are amazing. Awesome music to fall alseep to.

[ATC]

Escape the day are amazing. Awesome music to fall alseep to.

Here's the part where I beg you to send me the rest of the album. I have the three downloadable songs off the site. I'll...uh..love you forever and send you something you want in return.

[FreeCookiesOnDeathIsland]

Agalloch are an amazing atmospheric doom metal with a foresty sound. Any one heard of them? If not download "Dead Winter Days". Good Stuff...

[Scoot]

I was going to create a thread on them. :p

One of my favorite bands right now. I love As Embers Dress the Sky.

[IheartSP]

I hear a lot about them, I've yet to hear them, sounds pretty cool tho.

[Scoot]

I hear a lot about them, I've yet to hear them, sounds pretty cool tho.
Listen to As Embers Dress The Sky first. It's a great introductory song to them.

[Sleepy]

I hear a lot about them, I've yet to hear them, sounds pretty cool tho.

I'm getting The Mantle by them either Monday or Tuesday. I'll let you know how it is! :thumb:

[King_Of_Terrors]

Threads are always made on them. It's sad because everyone loves Agalloch, but the threads die so soon! Go ahead and make that thread Scott!

I love this band. I love all of their albums, second best band to come out of America.

[Deth]

Here's the previous Agalloch thread:
http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410230

It has a nice little run going.

[Txus]

To get this thread moving, discuss your top 5 agalloch songs.

1. She Painted Fire Across The Skyline pt. 1
2. In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion
3. Dead Winter Days
4. As Embers Dress The Sky
5. The Wilderness

[Vortigon]

Agalloch are cool yes, In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion is a truly great song.

[Freezing Moon]

1. A Desolation Song
2. And The Great Cold Death of the Earth

[Hells Bells]

Awesome band...Txus, I think I actually found out about them when you posted the lyrics to one of their songs.

Anyway, I found an interview with John that explains a lot of his perspectives on the music and the meaning behind it...very insightful.

http://www.slugmag.com/oldslug/173/Chuck_Berrett.html

[Txus]

Really nice/short interview there Hell Bells, thanks man. It´s freaking amazing that they recorded The Mantle without rehearsal.

[Hells Bells]

Yeah, it's hard to believe that they were able to pull of an album of that calibre without rehearsal. I don't get that lines and blocks thing that John was talking about...the system they have for writing their music. I'm guessing they lay out the basic structure and each band member goes and does their own thing...it's crazy that they can put everything together and have it work so well.

[Daven]

My top 5 favorite agalloch songs are:
Dead Winter Days
In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion
.....And The Great Cold Death Of The Earth
I Am The Wooden Doors
Haunting Birds

[Flynn]

I have The Mantle, I love it it's excellent.

[metal sh*t]

They are a great band, Im really liking every single song from the mantle and pale folklore.

[Txus]

They are a great band, Im really liking every single song from the mantle and pale folklore.
WTF? I made this thread ages ago man.....:eek: I´m currently Listening to The Lodge anyway....just in time. :p

[Killtacular]

I want the new album. I'd forgotten about it until I saw this thread again.

[Txus]

I want the new album. I'd forgotten about it until I saw this thread again.
Yeah, I´m very anxious for that....I like the new album´s title "Ashes Against The Grain".

[ATC]

Agalloch fans, listen to Lacrimas Profundere's A burning wish.

NOW!!!

[Txus]

Yeah, I´ve heard of Lacrimas Profundere before, they are awesome, I love the song "A Summer's End" man.

[NymphetamineX]

You Were But A Ghost In My Arms, In The Shadow of Our Pale Companion, and A Desolation Song are all such amazing songs. Ever since I first heard The Mantle about a month ago, I've been amazed by how awesome they really are. Any news on the release date of the new album?

[Txus]

On mp3.com a new Agalloch song is avaible (http://www.mp3.com/agalloch/artists/339158/summary.html).

It's an not fully mixed version of a song form their upcoming album "Ashes Against The Grain".

Enjoy this guys.

[Daven]

I cant wait for that album, hopefully it'll be great.

[Mr. Ron]

NEW SONG!

"Falling snow".

http://www.mp3.com/agalloch/artists/339158/summary.html




:chug:

[Killtacular]

I like that song.
I have high hopes for the new album.

[Txus]

I heard that song a couple of days ago and it blowed my mind, it's amazing..I can't imagine how good the new album will turn out to be.

[NymphetamineX]

NEW SONG!

"Falling snow".

http://www.mp3.com/agalloch/artists/339158/summary.html




:chug:

I love you. The song sounds awesome. Any idea of a release date yet?

[Txus]

I love you. The song sounds awesome. Any idea of a release date yet?
I heard that it will be released somewhere in the middle of June or July.

[Kage]

I've only heard a couple of their songs (the first three off of The Mantle), but it's music that is right in line with my interests. I love it thusfar. I've been desperately looking for their CD all over the place around here; unfortunately I have not found it. I'll probably order it online, but I love these guys and I hope the full album doesn't dissapoint.

[Sleepy]

The Mantle is excellent, Kage.

Pale Folklore is just as excellent, albeit slightly heavier.

[Arucard]

Txus, digging the Hellsing avatar.

I'm getting my arucard tattoo soon heh.

Also, Aggaloch are so brilliant its unreal. Pale Folklore is a brilliant album, much better than The Mantle IMO. As Embers Dress The Sky is just amazing! Time to check out the new track <_<

[Daven]

Txus, digging the Hellsing avatar.

I'm getting my arucard tattoo soon heh.

Also, Aggaloch are so brilliant its unreal. Pale Folklore is a brilliant album, much better than The Mantle IMO. As Embers Dress The Sky is just amazing! Time to check out the new track <_<

Agreed, Pale Folklore is my favorite. The atmosphere is different. Dead Winter Days pwns.

[Arucard]

The atmosphere is certainly alot more BM. Reminds me of Drudkh in alot of ways. Btw, if you guys like Agglaloch and Black Metal, you really need to try Drudkh.

[Daven]

The atmosphere is certainly alot more BM. Reminds me of Drudkh in alot of ways. Btw, if you guys like Agglaloch and Black Metal, you really need to try Drudkh.

I love Drudkh, cant wait to hear Blood In Our Wells. AA is my favorite followed by TSR. I only have 2 songs off FL and they are very good. I highly recommend them .

[Arucard]

Exactly the same choices of faves as me! Autumn Auraura is just brilliant, best song on it is probably Wind Of The Night Forests.

[Daven]

Glare Of Autumn closely followed by Wind Of The Night Forests for me. I just love the intro of GoA.

[Txus]

AGALLOCH unveil artwork and tracklisting for 'Ashes Against The Grain'

The Pacific Northwest’s Agalloch have unveiled the tracklisting and artwork for their forthcoming album “Ashes Against The Grain” on THE END RECORDS. The album is the follow-up to the critically–acclaimed 2002 opus “The Mantle.”

A new track, titled “Falling Snow,” is available now on THE END RECORDS’ sampler Alternate Endings: A Diverse Sound Collective Featuring A Distinguished Ensemble and can also be downloaded here: http://www.theendrecords.com/label/var/altend/

INFO



AGALLOCH - Ashes Against The Grain
The End Records 2006
TE068
59:51



Track listing:
1. Limbs
2. Falling Snow
3. This White Mountain On Which You Will Die
4. Fire Above, Ice Below
5. Not Unlike The Waves
6. Our Fortress Is Burning... I
7. Our Fortress Is Burning... II - Bloodbirds
8. Our Fortress Is Burning... III - The Grain

A few words about the album from vocalist/guitarist John Haughm:

The album sounds distinctively like Agalloch but heavier and with elements of pure black metal, folky Scandinavian prog, and a touch of post rock. I was heavily influenced by recordings like Thule's "Natt" album while writing "Limbs" and "Fire Above, Ice Below" and you can definitely hear that sort of brooding darkness in those songs. "Not Unlike The Waves" is easily the heaviest thing we've ever recorded; yet at its foundation it is a neo-folk song. There's also some up-tempo material like "Falling Snow" and moments of total ambience as well. This is definitely not an album that can be judged by one or two songs. Everything flows together as a dynamic whole and the red thread of the lyrics holds the album together.

The lyrics this time unfold as an abstract and surreal folk tale. Although there is a framework of a concept, I wanted to create more of a dreamlike feeling with words than to merely "tell a story." My source of inspiration for the lyrics came from the surreal films of Alejandro Jodorowsky, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Sergei Parajanov as well as Northern Folklore and myths, Siberian Vodka, and the crumbling world around us all.

"Ashes Against The Grain" will be released in standard jewel case and digipack formats. The digipack will contain different artwork, courtesy of Tolonen from Nest. There is also a plan for a vinyl edition to be released a couple months after the CD.

A studio gallery is available here: http://www.audiosavant.com/agalloch

[Flynn]

I really like Falling Snow, I can't wait for the release!

[Sleepy]

Wow, only one hour long??? Are Agalloch going cookie-cutter on us? :p

I have really high hopes for the new album - I fall asleep at night to Agalloch at least 3 days out of the week, so some new slumber material from these guys would be nice :)

[Kage]

I really don't like Falling Snow. I hope the rest of the album fares well, though. Based on Txus' post, it will.


EDIT: MAN, I can't even stand Falling Snow. I can't listen to it all the way through, it's terrible. Really dissapointed in this song. Terribly weak, lacking any type of originality. It just grates on my nerves.

[ArcLite]

Just gave Falling Snow a listen. I give it a thumbs up and am awaiting the new album.

[Mr. Ron]

I really don't like Falling Snow. I hope the rest of the album fares well, though. Based on Txus' post, it will.


EDIT: MAN, I can't even stand Falling Snow. I can't listen to it all the way through, it's terrible. Really dissapointed in this song. Terribly weak, lacking any type of originality. It just grates on my nerves.
Really? I admit it's not their best, but it's just one song and I think it's pretty decent.


Album cover art and track listings: http://www.theendrecords.com/label_new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=356&Itemid=49



EDIT: Beaten. :-(

[Nepenthe]

I'll like it regardless of how it stacks up to The Mantle. I mean, I love From Which Of This Oak, and that can hardly be compared to Mantle.

[Kage]

Really? I admit it's not their best, but it's just one song and I think it's pretty decent.
Yeah, it lacks creativity and anything that I like about the band in the first place, not to mention it's gratingly repetative.

I'm sure the album will be great, though.

[Mr. Ron]

Yeah, it lacks creativity and anything that I like about the band in the first place, not to mention it's gratingly repetative.

I'm sure the album will be great, though.
Hey, every band can't turn out mind-blowing songs all the time. Look at Ghost Reveries.

[Kage]

While I love Ghost Reveries, you speak the truth.

[Txus]

I really don't like the Album Cover, but the music is what counts...so I'm happy.

[Sleepy]

Is their new album officially released yet? I had to bump this and ask...I'm on the biggest Agalloch binge ever. Pale Folklore, The Mantle, and Tomorrow Will Never Come have been cycling repeatedly for the last day and a half.

[Coma Divine]

By far my favorite band of all time. I love everything they do, can't wait for their new album later this year. I'm also lucky to have gotten to see them live. :D

[Sleepy]

By far my favorite band of all time. I love everything they do, can't wait for their new album later this year. I'm also lucky to have gotten to see them live. :D

Oh you are a lucky bastard. They really don't do too many live shows, do they?

[Coma Divine]

I think they've done about 15-25 total.

The show was awesome, though some of it was a little underwhelming because they use so many different instruments throughout some of their songs, and they only have 4 people playing them live. The beginning was sweet, Haughm came out with a 2 huge timpani's and started beating the crap out of them like it was some tribal event.

[Sleepy]

I think they've done about 15-25 total.

Considering how long they've been around, that's a really, really small amount. Do you (or anyone else, for that matter) know why they hardly play at all live?

[Coma Divine]

Considering how long they've been around, that's a really, really small amount. Do you (or anyone else, for that matter) know why they hardly play at all live?

If I was in Haughm's position I'd be hesitant to do a lot of live shows as well...since he plays almost all the instruments on every disc, it'd be hard to get other people to play the parts just as well or just like he wants them to. Also that kind of music is more difficult to play live than say...Porcupine Tree or Dream Theater (all three bands are rather progressive) because there are a lot less cue's in everyone's parts when to stop, start, or go in the next section of the song. Though I'm sure that he's much more worried about the former.

[Kage]

Also that kind of music is more difficult to play live than say...Porcupine Tree or Dream Theater (all three bands are rather progressive) because there are a lot less cue's in everyone's parts when to stop, start, or go in the next section of the song. Though I'm sure that he's much more worried about the former.
Huh? That's a pretty weak reason not to perform live. I've seen bands whose music is much more intricate and hard to pull off do it amazingly.

[Coma Divine]

That's just what I'm guessing. More intricate stuff is easier to pull off live believe it or not because the parts are more memorable and thus easier to remember. Since they play long passages of music that don't change much, it's harder for each instrumentalist to follow, especially since he has to hire 2 or 3 people and they don't rehearse much..

[Pale-Folklore]

ohhhh my god i cant wait for the new album. everything so far looks great including the cover art

i also think falling snow is cool ;)

well when i saw them live in october they seemed to know what they were doing. what bothered me about that show was that they only played parts of the songs - i think the set was only an hour

[Kage]

See: Godspeed You Black Emperor.

Seriously, these are professional musicians.

Regarding Agalloch, I've gone off these guys because the songs all sound too much of the same over and over.

[Pale-Folklore]

who, agalloch?

ive been into godspeed for about a year now, ive gotten all their albums and i think f# a# oo is still my favourite

you cant really hear any influence of them in agalloch though

[Kage]

No, no. I've gone off Agalloch. Godspeed is my favorite band. My point was, their songs are much harder to play live that Agalloch's would be.

Agalloch is alright, but their music sounds kind of contrived. After listening to a whole album of it, I get burned out on them.

[Pale-Folklore]

yeahh thats true

and i think they play way more shows than agalloch

im kinda bored of pale folklore now, but the mantle is still one of my favourite albums ever

[Coma Divine]

No, no. I've gone off Agalloch. Godspeed is my favorite band. My point was, their songs are much harder to play live that Agalloch's would be.

Agalloch is alright, but their music sounds kind of contrived. After listening to a whole album of it, I get burned out on them.

Uhhhh

Godspeed has a bunch of musicians playing rehearsed stuff live. Since The Mantle wasn't thoroughly rehearsed and Haughm played most of the instruments presents the difficulty of playing live. They didn't mess up or anything, but I noticed a few parts that sounded different.

[Sleepy]

ohhhh my god i cant wait for the new album. everything so far looks great including the cover art

i also think falling snow is cool ;)

well when i saw them live in october they seemed to know what they were doing. what bothered me about that show was that they only played parts of the songs - i think the set was only an hour

Agalloch's songs are huge - only band I've ever seen play consistent 8+ minute songs live all the way through is Opeth.

[Arucard]

who, agalloch?

ive been into godspeed for about a year now, ive gotten all their albums and i think f# a# oo is still my favourite

you cant really hear any influence of them in agalloch though

Off topic but Ulver \m/

[Txus]

Is their new album officially released yet? I had to bump this and ask...I'm on the biggest Agalloch binge ever. Pale Folklore, The Mantle, and Tomorrow Will Never Come have been cycling repeatedly for the last day and a half.
The album isn't released yet man, It will be released somewhere near June or July...I really can't wait!

And yeah...Ulver is great. :chug:

[Kage]

Uhhhh

Godspeed has a bunch of musicians playing rehearsed stuff live. Since The Mantle wasn't thoroughly rehearsed and Haughm played most of the instruments presents the difficulty of playing live. They didn't mess up or anything, but I noticed a few parts that sounded different.
More people = even harder to manage. At least they're competent enough to play their diversely-instrumentated music live. And I still don't see why he couldn't, uh, teach other people the music. Given that most of the chord progessions are quite basic, wouldn't be too hard.

Jesus, do you have any clue what you're talking about? You're essentially just saying that Agalloch basically suck as musicians.

[Txus]

What i love about "The Mantle" is the story behind it, the concept is shown through the titles of the first and eighth song - "A Celebration of a Death of a Man..." "...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" (it's so nice that they use Cherokee folklore there) followed by "Desolation Song" which is kind of a grim epilogue after the hopes and love has perished. But it is quite more difficult to follow any concept behind the songs from 2-7. Well, "In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion" in my opinion depicts a man's search of deeper meaning (God if you will) behind our lives that is always shadowed and followed by death. And he basically finds that meaning or God in nature (pantheism). But still the taste is quite bitter in this song. Can't find any concept behind "Odal" because my interpretation comes from the lyrics. Yet you can hear someone walking through the snow there (maybe it's the same man from the previous song ). "I am the Wooden Doors" seems to carry on the pantheistic view - although all may seem fallen and corrupt in our world (society) there's the great majesty of nature (behind wooden doors) that can't be defiled by man ("these great wooden doors shall remain closed..." "seek not the fallen to unlock these wooden doors").
Probably the hardest song to interpret is "You were but a Ghost in My Arms". I don't take the female character there not as a human being but nature itself and the this song shows the ultimate chasm between man and nature, although the character wants to be with her. There still can't be overlooked the possibility that this song is about love between a man and a woman (I personally like the first interpretation more, it's a lot more original).
"...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" brings the grimmest conclusion to this story. Everything disappears. Problem comes with "Desolation Song" which doesn't really seem to carry the man-nature relation but just the despair of a man whose life is in ruins.
Well, these were my collected thoughts about "The Mantle".

I think no one saw this on the first page, this are my views of The Mantle.

[Nepenthe]

I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head Txus. Although a bit different in some very small instances, that's my exact interpretation of the songs.

[ATC]

Uhhhh

Godspeed has a bunch of musicians playing rehearsed stuff live. Since The Mantle wasn't thoroughly rehearsed and Haughm played most of the instruments presents the difficulty of playing live. They didn't mess up or anything, but I noticed a few parts that sounded different.

Agalloch aren't live musicians. They're great at what the do in the studio but they're not talented in the live sense. They messed up heaps at Day of the equinox. I don't think any less of them for it or anything.

[Nepenthe]

Agalloch aren't live musicians. They're great at what the do in the studio but they're not talented in the live sense. They messed up heaps at Day of the equinox. I don't think any less of them for it or anything.

With all due respect, I think it would be quite impossible to completely bring the Agalloch sound live. From the video's I've seen, I think they actually do a very good job considering the feat they are up against of bringing their mammoth songs to life in concert.

[Txus]

Agalloch aren't live musicians. They're great at what the do in the studio but they're not talented in the live sense. They messed up heaps at Day of the equinox. I don't think any less of them for it or anything.
I would kill for going to that thing, I'm too far away though :(

Green Carnation played there right?

[ATC]

With all due respect, I think it would be quite impossible to completely bring the Agalloch sound live. From the video's I've seen, I think they actually do a very good job considering the feat they are up against of bringing their mammoth songs to life in concert.

Lots of bands have managed to bring far more complex sounds to life in a live setting. A few weeks ago, I went to the Isis and Zombi show and they have massive sounds and they did it justice. I understand that it's not easy but Agalloch were off-key and off-time. Like they said, they don't practice much but they're not the live sort of band. I love all their music and I'm looking forward to Ashes against the grain but live, they're a disappointment.

Txus,yes,Green Carnation did.

[Nepenthe]

Lots of bands have managed to bring far more complex sounds to life in a live setting. A few weeks ago, I went to the Isis and Zombi show and they have massive sounds and they did it justice. I understand that it's not easy but Agalloch were off-key and off-time. Like they said, they don't practice much but they're not the live sort of band. I love all their music and I'm looking forward to Ashes against the grain but live, they're a disappointment.

Txus,yes,Green Carnation did.

Could be perhaps because the reason I saw the videos is because they put their best shows out for the public to see heh. I'll believe what you say, as I've read where they said they didn't practice alot, and I'm sure most of their shows are not all that astounding. And I wouldn't necessarily call Isis (haven't heard Zombi) more complex. At least imo.

[Pale-Folklore]

hey, i was at day of the equinox as well ;)

again i wish they played some songs the full way through instead of pieces of alot of them









ulver

[dfcslings]

anyone know when Ashes against the Grain is coming out?

[Pale-Folklore]

probably in the summer or something

i cant wait

[Txus]

anyone know when Ashes against the Grain is coming out?
June or July. :) I'm so happy for this, it will be a great summer.

[Sleepy]

June or July. :) I'm so happy for this, it will be a great summer.

It really will be - and new Wintersun will probably hit retail in autumn. It will be a good year in general! :thumb:

[Txus]

It really will be - and new Wintersun will probably hit retail in autumn. It will be a good year in general! :thumb:
Yeah, great year for music and soccer :p

\M/NEW ****ING HAGGARD!!!!\M/

[Sleepy]

\M/NEW ****ING HAGGARD!!!!\M/

ZOMG.

Really?

I think I just shat. I love Haggard.

NP: She Painted Fire Across the Skyline Part III

[Txus]

ZOMG.

Really?

I think I just shat. I love Haggard.

NP: She Painted Fire Across the Skyline Part III
Yeah, new Haggard is hopefully coming out in June and the new Agalloch I just checked and is coming out in August

[Sleepy]

Yeah, new Haggard is hopefully coming out in June and the new Agalloch I just checked and is coming out in August

I love life right now. Thanks for making my day (week, month, several months), Txus! :thumb:

[Txus]

I love life right now. Thanks for making my day (week, month, several months), Txus! :thumb:
Glad I could help :naughty:

[dfcslings]

ITS ALIVE :smoke:

is ashes against the grain any good for the people who "acquired" it?

[AA-12]

Yes.

[Moses]

I can't really get into these guys.

[AA-12]

I didn't at first, but then it really hit me. Not many others bands have the same emotion/feeling that these guys put out.

[repcak]

Of Stone, Wind and Pillor became one of my best "all-time" album favourites ... its a masterpiece

[omgwtfboogie]

On a scale of one to ten, as a whole, Agalloch breaks the meter. Their music is amazing. Sweeping emotions, great musicianship, and songwriting that isn't retarded (unlike that of their counterparts).

I especially enjoy the absence of formulaic writing, and the absence of "hard soft hard soft" dynamics. They've got such a spectrum in their music, it's just great.

[Daven]

I love AATG, but nothing can beat PF for me.

[Nepenthe]

Ashes Against The Grain can easily be compared alongside the greatness of their past recordings. It doesn't beat The Mantle for me, but it's easily my second favorite of theirs.

Mantle > Ashes > From Which Of This Oak > Folklore > the rest

[Daven]

So...who can play some Agalloch stuff in here?

Your thread is alive Mike! :D

[Txus]

HAHA, Yeah Daven :D

I was trying to figure Dead Winter Days awhile ago....on bass but I completely forgot about it.

[G_Mac07]

I'm on an Agalloch binge right now. I've just listened to OSW&P, Ashes, and The Mantle. Awesome stuff. Ashes is probably my least favourite at the moment though. :(

[Txus]

:(

Ashes is becoming my favorite album man..pff :mad:

[G_Mac07]

:(

I didn't say it was bad, I just think the other releases create a better atmosphere. Mind you, I should still give it more time to grow on me, as I've only heard it a handful of times. I highly doubt it's going to knock Of Stone, Wind and Pillor off it's Mantle at the top.

tee hee at my choice of words

[Txus]

Yeah, you SHOULD :mad:

<3 :p

I've been listening a lot to Of Stone, Wind, and Pillor lately though....what an amazing piece of art!

[Daven]

Of Stone, Wind, adn Pillor is very good. I love This Old Cabin

[Txus]

As simple as it is, I love Kneel To The Cross.

I just found out that it's a cover song from Sol Invictus =0

[Mr. Ron]

Yeah, thats a great song. I had it hanging in my locker throughout my stay at my catholic highschool. :p

[Spoonful of Shame]

I love the song "and The Mantle"

[Cravinov13]

Agalloch pwn, ity's a shame they are not very well known. And I consider them progressive folky black metal. :p

[Txus]

Agalloch pwn, ity's a shame they are not very well known. And I consider them progressive folky black metal. :p
They are well known now but when I made this thread a while back very few ones knew about them.

I love the song "and The Mantle"
That's a new song in my books :rolleyes:

[Spoonful of Shame]

damnit I meant And The Great Cold Death Of The Earth from the album and the mantlr. I need to get some sleep.

[Txus]

damnit I meant And The Great Cold Death Of The Earth. I need to get some sleep.
:lol: You really need some sleep man, how can you confuse And The Mantle with that? :p It's Ok though...great song nevertheless.

[Mr. Ron]

I don't know if this was posted already, but they have a new site.

http://www.agalloch.org./


I must say, not unlike waves is a amazing song.

[Txus]

I don't know if this was posted already, but they have a new site.

http://www.agalloch.org./


I must say, not unlike waves is a amazing song.
I checked that site today, it's a really cool one.

Not Unlike The Waves is an amazing song but I prefer Fire Above, Ice Below...such an amazing piece of art.

[Mr. Ron]

I checked that site today, it's a really cool one.

Not Unlike The Waves is an amazing song but I prefer Fire Above, Ice Below...such an amazing piece of art.
I like the parts where he uses a more "black metal" style of vocals. The higher pitched ones.

Edit: Where have you heard Fire above, ice below?

[Nostalgia]

Thanks to Txus, I started listening to these guys. They're great. I only have been listening to Of Stone Wind, and Pillor, and people have said it's their worst album, but so far, I really like it.

If this is their worst, their best must be amazing.

[Mr. Ron]

Thanks to Txus, I started listening to these guys. They're great. I only have been listening to Of Stone Wind, and Pillor, and people have said it's their worst album, but so far, I really like it.

If this is their worst, their best must be amazing.
I LOVE Of stone wind and pillor.

[Txus]

I like the parts where he uses a more "black metal" style of vocals. The higher pitched ones.
Yeah, that's one of my favorite parts...I love the middle part where everything is more mellow.

Edit: I love everything Agalloch does but I think Of Stone Wind And Pillor is their worst one...but that's me. I have the album by the way ron (I hope that's your name) that's how I've heard the song.

/Drools :p

[G_Mac07]

Oh man, Of Stone, Wind & Pillor is their best. :p

Actually, Agalloch are one of those bands where everyone has a different opinion about which release is best.

[Txus]

That's true, they are all fantastic album in my opinion.

Why the hell are AGalloch only playing in Portland!!! :mad:

[Nepenthe]

I don't think From Which Of This Oak gets enough love. It is tied with Ashes as my second favorite release of theirs.

[Cardboard Headgear]

Why the hell are AGalloch only playing in Portland!!! :mad:
They're coming to SF too :)

[AA-12]

I was listening to Tomorrow Will Never Come again earlier. NO other songs will ever be able to do what that song achieved.

[Mr. Ron]

I was listening to Tomorrow Will Never Come again earlier. NO other songs will ever be able to do what that song achieved.
Good song.

[AA-12]

The only bad thing about it is that it's so draining and depressing, heh.

[Mr. Ron]

The only bad thing about it is that it's so draining and depressing, heh.
Pffttttt I thought you were more tr00 than that!

[AA-12]

I mean draining and depressing as in it takes up time in between my brutal christian slaying :rolleyes:

:p

[Mr. Ron]

I mean draining and depressing as in it takes up time in between my brutal christian slaying :rolleyes:

:p
lmao.

[Nostalgia]

Yeah, after listening to Pale Folklore and Of Stone, Wind, And Pillor, Pillor is easily a better album.

[Txus]

Pillor is a really great album but once again it's my least favorite Agalloch album. I've been listening to From Which Of This Oak a lot lately, what a freaking masterpiece.

Is anyone willing to analyze some Agalloch lyrics?

[G_Mac07]

I haven't heard From Which Of This Oak. I'm going to have to obtain somehow.

Txus, I'd be down, but I'm busy with exams at the moment. When they finish though analysing all over the place, it'll be like the Tool thread back when it was good.

[Txus]

That's cool man. You need to get your hands on From Which Of This Oak..It's an impressive album.

I already analyzed The Mantle album a while ago....this is what I got from it:

Txus
What i love about "The Mantle" is the story behind it, the concept is shown through the titles of the first and eighth song - "A Celebration of a Death of a Man..." "...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" (it's so nice that they use Cherokee folklore there) followed by "Desolation Song" which is kind of a grim epilogue after the hopes and love has perished. But it is quite more difficult to follow any concept behind the songs from 2-7. Well, "In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion" in my opinion depicts a man's search of deeper meaning (God if you will) behind our lives that is always shadowed and followed by death. And he basically finds that meaning or God in nature (pantheism). But still the taste is quite bitter in this song. Can't find any concept behind "Odal" because my interpretation comes from the lyrics. Yet you can hear someone walking through the snow there (maybe it's the same man from the previous song ). "I am the Wooden Doors" seems to carry on the pantheistic view - although all may seem fallen and corrupt in our world (society) there's the great majesty of nature (behind wooden doors) that can't be defiled by man ("these great wooden doors shall remain closed..." "seek not the fallen to unlock these wooden doors").
Probably the hardest song to interpret is "You were but a Ghost in My Arms". I don't take the female character there not as a human being but nature itself and the this song shows the ultimate chasm between man and nature, although the character wants to be with her. There still can't be overlooked the possibility that this song is about love between a man and a woman (I personally like the first interpretation more, it's a lot more original).
"...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth" brings the grimmest conclusion to this story. Everything disappears. Problem comes with "Desolation Song" which doesn't really seem to carry the man-nature relation but just the despair of a man whose life is in ruins.

Be free to comment with a positive or negative input :)

[Nostalgia]

How's their name prenounced?

Aga-loch?

[Txus]

I say it like this: Aga-lock

[Moses]

I've heard it pronounced both ways. Someone came into my Subway with an Agalloch shirt on and I had to say somthing. Even though I don't really like the band, anyone that knows about them usually listens to good music.

[Txus]

Why don't you like them? :eek:

[Moses]

I don't know. They just didn't really seem anything special and I really tried to like them but I was like, "this is meh" and turned it off.

[Txus]

That's cool, I think Agalloch is one of those bands that you either Hate or Love.

[pate]

I used to be like that. Then one day it all clicked.

[=-fukifiknow-=]

the thing that astounds me about this band is they create top notch scandanavian metal yet they're from portland.... gives hope the the american music scene