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5 classic

Agalloch The Mantle

Devin Townsend Ocean Machine

Enslaved Below the Lights

Porcupine Tree In Absentia

Ulver Bergtatt

4.5 superb

Agalloch Pale Folklore

I've listened to a large amount of music over the years. "Pale Folklore" achieves a "winter" atmosphere unlike any other. I can easily imagine myself in a snowed-in cabin, in front of a fire, looking out a window while "The Misshapen Steed" plays in the background.

Amorphis Silent Waters

Katatonia Brave Murder Day

Nokturnal Mortum Lunar Poetry

As I've gotten older, I need a better production sound to my music. That being said, this is still one of the best Black metal albums I own. "The grief of Oriana" is stunning in it's sadness. The vocalist sounds "detached" from the music, as if, he's way off in the distance. A really cool affect. Dissappointingly, on my copy the guitars and drums are "muddy" in their sound. The atmosphere accomplished is certainly one of the best. The icy, rigid and frozen landscapes permeate my mind. Just wish it sounded better.

Primordial To The Nameless Dead

Radiohead OK Computer

The Gathering Sleepy Buildings: A Semi-Acoustic Evening

On this "live" album The Gathering are excellent. If it wasn't for the crowd apprecation between songs, you'd be hardpressed to realize this is live. Anneke's voice is beautiful and emotional. Every instrument, especially the acoustic piano, are executed brilliantly. A sadness seems to permeate the music herein. The Gathering also seem to be playing for just you and no one else. A very personal touch is applied and success is achieved. Everyone needs to hear this once in their life.

Ulver Shadows of the Sun

Wolves in the Throne Room Two Hunters

4 excellent

Agalloch The White EP

Let's be honest, the members of Agalloch are not phenominal musicians. There is no incredible guitar playing, drumming or keyboard work. And this applies also to their 3 full-lengths. The absolute strenght of Agalloch is their ability to compose. They are,imo, magnificent. (exp) Listen to the ending track "Summerisle-reprise" which mainly consists of a sparse piano line. That song conveys exactly what it is trying to do. It's an ending song, which can catapult you to a place in your mind. This entire EP conveys an earthy mood and feel. I can almost smell the dirt, trees and forest. This is why Agalloch are highly regarded, their ability to create musical art and completely capture the listener. It's been said, that on their previous full-lenghts, there songs are boring, long and drawn out.(I do not agree) however, this EP contains shorter songs-"Pantheist" being just over 7 minutes being the longest. This EP might be the way to go for those who can not attentively listen to music that's not "3-minute gratification." If your introspective, this 32.29 minute EP can give you the peace to be contemplative. If not, go listen to "Pig Destroyer"

Burzum Hvis Lyset Tar Oss

Devin Townsend Synchestra

Emperor In the Nightside Eclipse

Gorgoroth Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt

That's what I really like about Sputnik, some smart-ass know-it-all response from an obvious idiot. Realize, music is subjective man. This Gorgoroth is blackened/thrash. What Immortal have done for their last 3 albums. That was my comparison. Get it!!

Katatonia Viva Emptiness

Novembers Doom The Novella Reservoir

3.5 great

Enslaved Monumension

Sigur Ros Takk

3 good

Shrinebuilder Shrinebuilder