Agalloch – The Serpent & The Sphere

Releasedate: 16-05-2014; Label: Eisenwald Tonschmiede
By: Basak Günel

For nearly two decades, the Pacific Northwest group Agalloch has defined what it means to combine influences from a variety of musical genres into one brooding, colossal, and cinematic sound that provides the soundtrack to existential themes concerning man, nature, loss, and death. After two demo releases in the late 90s, the band released four full-length albums: “Pale Folklore” (1999), “The Mantle” (2002), “Ashes Against the Grain” (2006) and “Marrow of the Spirit” (2010). “The Mantle” has since been heralded as a classic for having been one of the first albums to combine elements from black metal, neo-folk, progressive rock, post-rock, and ambient music.

The band’s latest album “The Serpent & The Sphere” is again full of different genres such as black, progressive metal and ambient music. First impression of this album is the fact that it’s much more atmospheric. Especially compared to the band’s previous album “Marrow of the Spirit”, this album offers even a more diverse and gloomy vibe that is soothing but depressive at the same time. This album is not so direct and harsh; it has an overall slow pace that captivates the listener slowly but deeply.

Musically, the album’s sound has a more natural approach compared to the previous record. While listening to the album, you will be taking a journey into the universe and feel connected to the cosmos. The harsher songs such as “Celestial Effigy” or “Dark Matter Gods” will feel like whispers in a winter breeze and the acoustic tracks like “(serpens cauda)” and “(serpens caput)” will soothe you and make you feel at ease. These acoustic tracks felt more like transition tracks to me; they were spread throughout the album quite well and giving just the right amount of contrast in the overall atmosphere of the album. Furthermore, throughout the album, the listener will hear every element of music and instrument clearly and smoothly, which makes this album even more magical so it must be mentioned that the album is produced quite well.

“The Serpent & The Sphere” is an extraordinary record with themes related to cosmos and the elements of music that sound so natural and soothing. Surely, Agalloch’s sound might be different this time; even the theme of cosmos might sound strange but one thing is certain; Agalloch is unique and listening to this album will be a different experience for everyone. Light the candles in your room, turn off the lights and give in to the magic of of cosmos with “The Serpent & The Sphere”.

Line-up:
John Haughm − vocals, guitar, drums
Don Anderson − guitar, drums, keyboard
Jason William Walton − bass guitar
Aesop Dekker − drums

Tracklist: 01. Birth and Death of the Pillars of Creation 02. (serpens caput) 03. The Astral Dialogue 04. Dark Matter Gods 05. Celestial Effigy 06. Cor Serpentis (the sphere) 07. Vales Beyond Dimension 08. Plateau of the Ages 09. (serpens cauda)

Links:
Agalloch Facebook
Agalloch Official