Ashes Against the Grain

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-04-03 rating:
Agalloch's Fortress Is Burning Bright.
Having just witnessed Agalloch live in London, I must admit, I have a new appreciation for the band themselves, as well as this record, entitled `Ashes Against The Grain'. Witnessing Agalloch in the flesh had been a dream of mine for several years, ever since I discovered them back in 2005 through the Amazon website, oddly enough. Actually having the chance to see such a band live was one I was never going to let pass me by. The gig in London, which also featured Dornenreich and the new British sensation Fen, was meant to be headlined by the Austrians but, at some point, this was changed. I imagine that the demand to see Agalloch live, on the night of their first performance on English soil was far too big to allow Dornenreich, who were deceptively good I must admit, to take centre stage for the hour that Agalloch were given to strut their stuff. `Ashes Against The Grain' wasn't, and still isn't my pick for best Agalloch piece, despite gaining a new perspective of the band through the awe inspiring live performance. `Pale Folklore' has been and seemingly always will be (unless topped, obviously) my pick for the epitome of Agalloch performances. Its terrific blend of acoustic folk with extreme metal is one that is hard to beat. Unparalleled on so many levels, Agalloch strive forward and into the future with their heads held high. After the gig in London, which I've read somewhere the band called their best yet, it is hard to imagine Agalloch not going from strength to strength in the future. I recall, though I'm not positive, reading about a prospective new record this year so its an exciting time, especially for me, to be an Agalloch fan. br / br /`Ashes Against The Grain' took time to adjust too. The band themselves have stated that the record is very squeaky clean, even promising to produce a much rawer sound on the next edition to the mantle piece. I found it hard to stomach an Agalloch sound which didn't seem like it was created in the midst of a fog covered forest during the middle of the deceptive autumn season. The music, to put a metaphorical spin on things, went from the anthem of autumn, to the swansong of summer. The production often hinders this piece, which is something I still feel to this day. The live performance has indicated to me that a rawer sounding Agalloch is exactly what we need and exactly what we should get on the next effort. Songs like `Falling Snow', which appears to be a fans favourite these days, is the epitome of this record in its truest and most honest form. Unforeseen grooves, melodious mechanics at the heart of the body work and unfortunate production. I suppose, with this cleaner sound, Agalloch are more capable of highlighting the underlying performances. For example, at the live show, it was evident that Agalloch's bassist deserves a lot more credit than he receives. His constant presence in person, and in hindsight on the record is blistering in pace, suave in terms of technicalities and hardened like every metal musician should be. His performance gives a much more metallic feel to the music. In basic terms, his repetitious performance, which certainly doesn't lack in its fair share of diversity, is what makes this record as metal as metal could be. br / br /There is, and has always been, a very distinctive black/doom metal influence behind Agalloch and their music. The repetition of the bass, and perhaps also the double bass on drums, alongside the harsh vocals from John really do seem to point the finger at black and doom as being two genres which have, perhaps not on the surface of things, shaped the direction of Agalloch. The soundscapes don't shy away from outside influences either. There are, as always, folk elements which still remain fresh to this day, despite the fact that Agalloch have been creating music which sounds similar for well over a decade. This is a testament to the song writing abilities, as well as the consuming desire of the band to build upon their success, instead of quitting whilst they're ahead. The passion of this band is something I will never again question after the sweat, blood and tears of the live performance. The epic soundscapes are developed by a desire and passion in the musicians which tells them not to quit, not to let up on their mind expanding music. Weaving in and out of genres and sub-genres has become a Agalloch thing to do. Diversity, creativity and a pleasure to tackle the most technical, as well as the simplistic, genres is what keeps Agalloch exciting. You never know, despite the similarities between this record and the other two, what Agalloch are going to do. One of the most capable bands around.

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review by: date: 2007-07-20 rating:
YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THESE GUYS
Agalloch are a band you must find.The Mantle and Ashes against the grain are 2 of the best albums i have heard in 25 years of listening to rock and metal music.Seek out this band they are amazing.

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review by: date: 2006-12-05 rating:
Great record
If you have enjoyed Agalloch's other records then I suggest that you buy this one. It is better produced than their previous records, with the drums and guitars sounding fantastic. I often listen to this on my way to work and I find "Fire Above, Ice Below" to be very uplifting and atmospheric just as the sun is beginning to rise. br / br /Buy it! You will love it.....


review by: Fury date: 2006-07-23 rating:
Another Masterpiece from Agalloch
Agalloch have been described as Metals best kept secret, but there is more to this band. Their sound combines metal with atmostphere, acoustic and melodic music. It's been about five years since their incredible "The Mantle" album, and it was worth the wait for the next step in their musical journey. Listen to this if you are a lonely soul.

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