Artist: Agalloch
Label: The End Records
Release Date: 8/13/02
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: The Mantle Artist: Agalloch Label: The End Records Release Date: 8/13/02
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem (10/8/02):
It's refreshing to discover an album that really takes you to a different place. A place where your mind can wander and withdraw into images you never thought imaginable. Peaceful images that when combined with the music bring you to a most relaxed state of mind. Knowing that you can rely on an album to do this is an overwhelming feeling. How a group of individuals can create sounds that make you feel so at peace with yourself is such a mysterious thing. And each person out there connects with something entirely different. Whatever it is they need at the time, the music acts as a drug. And to a lot of us music fanatics out there, it is the greatest drug in the world. Much like Opeth had completed a musical void when I had first discovered them, Agalloch have pretty much done the same with their new epic masterpiece The Mantle. The album is not only flawless on a song by song basis, but is best to be listened to as a single entity in itself.While retaining a strong European crossover metal sound, this 3 piece hails from the region of Portland, Oregon. And it is no surprise that despite being from the states, they are based out of one of the more northerly and colder areas. For this music evokes images of fall and winter, images of isolation and darkness, images that take you out of the present world and into a mystical utopia of sorts. The artwork is as essential to the final product as the music itself, comprised of silver and black images of gothic architecture and barren images, portrayed in a tasteful and abstract manner. The music, while retaining bits and pieces of metal elements, expands itself into the realms of goth, folk and rock. A majority of the music is acoustically based, with layers upon layers of vocals, keyboards and many experimental instruments. Imagine the harmonious moments of Opeth joining forces with the folk inspired elements of Ulver and adding in the psychedelic overtones of Pink Floyd. The vocals take on a clean Ulver inspired approach while occasionally giving nod to black metal with the harsh vocal attack.
The production deserves much credit too with its vibrant sound, captivating each and every instrument on the album and giving the whole thing an ethereal feel. The clean guitars are acoustic guitars along with effects driven electrics, creating layers of beautiful riffs placed upon one another. Besides the basics (guitar, bass, vocals, drums) the band experiments with woodchimes, an ebow, a contrabass, an accordian and a mandolin amongst others. And despite your idea that they've overdone themselves, they haven't. Nothing sounds strange or out of place here. It's all captured perfectly in the experience called The Mantle. Hopefully these guys can gather themselves a full band to tour and blow minds across the world. I also hope their visions behind the music can be communicated in DVD or video format. For those into melodic epic metal but are also looking to explore further horizons should look no further than this. Agalloch are your gateway to a new musical experience. Sit in your favorite chair, stare at the wall, endulge in your drug of choice and let the music take you away.
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