ASHES AGAINST THE GRAIN

Agalloch's The Mantle was a great album; one of my favorite post metal and black metal albums. A lot of other people feel this way too, and expectations were high for the follow up to such a great album. Those expectations were fulfilled, and that's why we're all happy with our lives.

Post metal? Yes. Black metal? Yes. Folk metal? Yes. Doom metal? Yes. This album is all you could ask for in an Agalloch album, mainly because the album shows the listener what they are all about. Ashes Against the Grain and The Mantle can be seen as companion albums. Why you may ask? because they are both great and they both sound the same! Actually they don't sound the same but they do sound similar, which is a good thing because Agalloch's sound and style is perfect. And they are both great of course. Acoustic guitar, folk melodies, slow tempos black metal riffage, and post metal doom and gloom, they all make for a great listen.

Agalloch puts on a show with this record; they started it on The Mantle and they continue it with this album. I say that if you've never heard this band, you should listen to them. Now, right now. Start with The Mantle and then come to this one, your ears will thank you.