Author Topic: Agalloch Appreciation-thread (Read 73497 times)

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #525 on:** January 31, 2014, 12:22:50 PM »

Damn, I was almost certain the title would be The Pale Grey Melancholy Spirit/Ghost Of Fire And Ice (TPGMS/GoFAaI)

Anyways, I'm definitely looking forward to this. I'm very interested to find out in which direction they'll take their sound in.

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #526 on:** January 31, 2014, 12:39:55 PM »

I find it upsetting that, from the few interviews I've seen, the band was somewhat disappointed with AAtG. If I remember correctly John Haughm thought that it was too polished, and sought to push back against that texture when working on MotS. As much as I enjoy Marrow, I hope that trend doesn't continue on this next one.

Also, I find that to be a really intriguing title.

adace · « **Reply #527 on:** January 31, 2014, 12:59:19 PM »

One of my most anticipated albums of the year. Can't wait!!

seasonsinthesky · « **Reply #528 on:** January 31, 2014, 01:53:07 PM »

Quote from: senecadawg2 on January 31, 2014, 12:39:55 PM

I find it upsetting that, from the few interviews I've seen, the band was somewhat disappointed with AAtG. If I remember correctly John Haughm thought that it was too polished, and sought to push back against that texture when working on MotS. As much as I enjoy Marrow, I hope that trend doesn't continue on this next one.

indeed, they seem to have a problem with how perfect it sounds (and it does, compared to other Agalloch albums). it definitely stands out in the discography but i think it's one of their strongest works, and i've really been getting into what i'd consider the two 'sleeper' tracks lately — mostly "Fire Above, Ice Below" (a song Haughm says 'got lost in translation,' so i can't imagine how amazing it was supposed to be!) though it also took me this long to fall for "Not Unlike the Waves," which is probably their Opethiest song ever.

anyway, Faustian Echoes is one of my most favourite things the band has done, so i can't imagine i'll be disappointed with The Serpent & The Sphere. it's getting the full preorder treatment for sure.

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #529 on:** January 31, 2014, 02:24:55 PM »

I'm kinda hoping they got the low-fi sound out of their system with Marrow Of The Spirit and Faustian Echoes. While it does create an interesting atmosphere, it would be nice if the new record sounded a bit less... crappy.

Though judging from what Haughm has said in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if that isn't the case.

Dark Castle · « **Reply #530 on:** January 31, 2014, 02:29:37 PM »

How in the world does MotS sound crappy

I thought it was a gorgeous sounding record.

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #531 on:** January 31, 2014, 03:34:52 PM »

It could have been a lot worse, but if you compare it to The Mantle or Ashes Against The Grain the difference is pretty jarring.

WindMaster · « **Reply #532 on:** January 31, 2014, 03:50:23 PM »

SO EXCITED FOR THIS ALBUM!!!!!

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #533 on:** January 31, 2014, 04:24:44 PM »

Dis gun be good

Yeah, I've heard John say Ashes to be their worst album. Part of me wishes that they go back to a more folk metal style with the post-rock influences of The Mantle, probably their best album, but even now I find it hard to be believe they'll ever trump that masterpiece. Either way, I'm really excited for this one no matter what direction they take with it, cause it's fucking Agalloch.

Zantera · « **Reply #534 on:** February 01, 2014, 01:15:48 AM »

I don't think they disagree Ashes for the songs on it, after all they often play those songs live, so I assume their problem is with how it sounded. To me, it's their best album easily.

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #535 on:** February 01, 2014, 08:55:32 AM »

Ashes sounded terrific. John says what bothered him with it was how "polished" it sounded. Which I really don't have much of an issue with; it sounded gorgeous to me.

Ashes has a special place in my heart, but will never be quite as good as The Mantle for me.

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #536 on:** February 01, 2014, 02:15:26 PM »

I know it's purely subjective and all, but I fail to see how anyone could think that a record likes Ashes sounds terrible because the sound is "too polished"

I mean I know black metal isn't supposed to sound that clear and polished, but damn...

seasonsinthesky · « **Reply #537 on:** February 01, 2014, 06:04:14 PM »

Quote from: Dark Castle on January 31, 2014, 02:29:37 PM

How in the world does MotS sound crappy
I thought it was a gorgeous sounding record.

i really love the production on Faustian Echoes. none of it sounds particularly 'crappy,' but it doesn't have gloss like AATG — a nice balance. my favourite part is how the drums sound like enormous, reverberating oak trees.

Xanthul · « **Reply #538 on:** March 18, 2014, 09:45:51 AM »

New track, listening to it right now. So far so good, particularly enjoying the production, it seems they have gone back to the mantle / aatg style with a cleaner, crisper production.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/16772-agalloch-celestial-effigy/

EDIT: Alright, finished listening to it and all I can say is that I'm pretty freaking excited right now. Can't wait till the whole thing comes out.

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #539 on:** March 18, 2014, 11:04:35 AM »

I'll probably listen to it more, but after the first listen, I enjoyed it and thought it was pretty solid, though not anything too mind-blowing. There's something with that groove at the end that gets me too.

Definitely still looking forward to this album.

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #540 on:** March 18, 2014, 11:16:14 AM »

Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on March 18, 2014, 11:04:35 AM

I'll probably listen to it more, but after the first listen, I enjoyed it and thought it was pretty solid, though not anything too mind-blowing.

This. It's kinda hard to tell the overall sound of the album from just one song, but I like the production.

Anyways, this is probably my most anticipated release of the year.

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #541 on:** March 18, 2014, 11:54:56 AM »

Can't wait to get out of class to listen to this!

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #542 on:** March 18, 2014, 01:30:04 PM »

Just saw John Haughm post this on FB, for those of you who were a bit underwhelmed. Obviously nothing concrete here, but it's got me really hopeful for the album. Also, I happen to love the song from my 2 listens so far!

Quote

there are A LOT of stylistic twists and turns on this album. This song does not represent it as a whole - none of the songs do. I actually hate these previews because of this. We never write just a collection of songs with the same vibe...

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #543 on:** March 18, 2014, 01:33:21 PM »

That's a relief to hear, but knowing it's Agalloch I knew not to judge the album based on a single song.

WindMaster · « **Reply #544 on:** March 18, 2014, 02:08:02 PM »

Loving this track! Production is great, and also that album art is really cool.

SoundscapeMN · « **Reply #545 on:** March 18, 2014, 10:45:44 PM »

pretty much par for the course, save for no samples. Here's hoping those appear on some other parts of the record.

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #546 on:** March 19, 2014, 09:43:33 AM »

https://www.metalkaoz.com/metal-news/12680-agalloch-reveal-new-album-details.html

Quote

“The Serpent & The Sphere” tracklisting:

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)"

Not entirely sure how I feel about these song titles, but I'm excited nonetheless.

Onno · « **Reply #547 on:** March 19, 2014, 10:30:53 AM »

That new song sounds really good

I should listen to Agalloch more...

Heretic · « **Reply #548 on:** March 19, 2014, 03:33:41 PM »

Woah, that's pretty cool. Sounds like they're going for an astral/space theme as opposed to a winter/folk theme, which honestly is very interesting and definitely intriguing.

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #549 on:** March 19, 2014, 03:44:38 PM »

Quote from: Heretic on March 19, 2014, 03:33:41 PM

Woah, that's pretty cool. Sounds like they're going for an astral/space theme as opposed to a winter/folk theme, which honestly is very interesting and definitely intriguing.

Definitely noticing this simply from the song titles. I can see there being a big thematic shift in the lyrics this time around, thought I'm still not sure of a big musical shift. After delving in the winter/folk theme for quite a while, I can understand if they wanted a change.

I'm mixed about that considering I feel they wrote their best and most emotional stuff in the heart of the winter/folk theme (The Mantle), but this has definitely got my interest.

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #550 on:** April 07, 2014, 01:49:30 PM »

Album review/song-by-song analysis:
https://www.stereogum.com/1672221/premature-evaluation-agalloch-the-serpent-the-sphere/franchises/premature-evaluation/

Sounds like this is going to be their most experimental album yet.

adace · « **Reply #551 on:** April 07, 2014, 01:50:54 PM »

^That has me pretty stoked. Can't wait to hear it!

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #552 on:** April 15, 2014, 01:11:43 PM »

NA east coast tour dates! (from their Facebook page)

6.18 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock (w/Obsidian Tongue, Blood and Sun)
6.19 - Madison, WI @ High Noon (w/Obsidian Tongue)
6.20 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's (w/Obsidian Tongue)
6.21 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballrom (w/Obsidian Tongue)
6.22 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House Revival (w/Obsidian Tongue)
6.23 - Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree (w/Vex)
6.24 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (w/Vex)
6.25 - Tampa, FL @ Orpheum (w/Vex)
6.26 - Savannah, GA @ Jinx (w/Vex, Blackrune)
6.27 - Raleigh, NC @ King's Barcade (w/Vex)
6.28 - Springfield, VA @ Empire (w/Vex)
6.29 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts (w/Jex Thoth)
6.30 - New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza (w/Jex Thoth)
7.01 - Boston, MA @ Brighton (w/Jex Thoth, Obsidian Tongue)
7.02 - Montreal, QC @ La Salla Rosa (w/Jex Thoth)
7.03 - Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks (w/Jex Thoth, Musk Ox)
7.04 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House (w/Jex Thoth)
7.05 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theater (w/Jex Thoth)
TBA - TBA
7.08 - Denver, CO - Gothic Theater

countoftuscany42 · « **Reply #553 on:** April 15, 2014, 01:14:56 PM »

course, philly date is 21+ venue

if I'm in philly this summer i might have to go up to ny for this one

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #554 on:** April 15, 2014, 01:26:34 PM »

FFFUUUUCKKK YES!!! so excite! So Powah!

senecadawg2 · « **Reply #555 on:** April 22, 2014, 01:48:57 PM »

Anyone else planning on trying to make one of these shows?

I think I'm set on the back-to-back Raleigh and Springfield, VA dates. It will be my second and third times seeing Agalloch live and I could not be more excited

Buddyhunter1 · « **Reply #556 on:** April 22, 2014, 02:09:53 PM »

I plan on going to the Boston one. It'll be my first time seeing them as well.

Frosthawk · « **Reply #557 on:** April 22, 2014, 08:09:02 PM »

I live in Houston, damn it. Why does this always happen?

In any case, the new song is excellent and I couldn't be more excited for the new album. None of their albums are below 4.5/5 stars for me. They're probably my favorite band of all time (along with Swans, which is a whole 'nother ballgame).

ThatOneGuy2112 · « **Reply #558 on:** April 22, 2014, 08:38:57 PM »

Quote from: Frosthawk on April 22, 2014, 08:09:02 PM

I live in Houston, damn it. Why does this always happen?

I know your pain.

Lolzeez · « **Reply #559 on:** April 23, 2014, 05:08:19 AM »

Been really getting into the band recently. I have still yet to listen to the EPs but boy do I love what I've heard so far. Why the hell have I been living under a rock for so long?

News: Track-by-track video for Paralyzed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd5TbGbalPs&feature=youtu.be

Author Topic: Agalloch Appreciation-thread (Read 73497 times)