Marrow Of The Spirit

It takes a few listens to appreciate this group's albums, so I waited to write this review until giving it that opportunity. Having heard most of their music, I think Marrow of the Spirit has all the elements of previous Agalloch releases but keeps it fresh by adding some new flavors as well.

The opening song is a sparse instrumental that contains birds and natural sounds with a mournful melody played by a cello. If you have heard the hard to find White EP, this opener would fit in perfectly. This is followed by "Into the Painted Grey". Starting from the outset with drum blast beats and chiming guitar, this song has the hard pounding Agalloch sound that the metal heads love... followed by the atmospheric chord progressions that lead back again into the driving beats. It mainly has the growls and barking vocals, as this is one of the harder rocking songs on the album with fewer of the slower breakups.

"The Watcher's Monolith" starts acoustically and has some moments that are similar to The Mantle. This song gives you a needed break after getting crushed previously. But then the pounding begins again, and off they go. As usual, the songs progress nicely from hard to light and atmospheric with typical Agalloch ease. The changes in moods in this song are great.

A bouncing, gradual picking up of speed starts "Black Lake Nidstang" before dropping into a very atmospheric and cold melody on acoustic guitar. Complete with dirge-like drum and wailing electric background, the spanish guitar still fits nicely when making an entrance. It takes almost four and a half minutes to start a different chiming melody, with the whispers coming in behind the music. Almost halfway through the song the vocals are yelled as much as sang and was an interesting change. A very gothic and doom filled sound to this one.

"Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires" is a great song that has so much feeling and atmosphere that you can cut it with your sword. The driving guitar and drum make this slow entry of the song still pound you even before the melody is picked up and driven with more force. An abrupt change into the growling vocals marks the arrival of a wicked change in style. Again, these guys are the best at song development and change ups. This song has that, for sure.

Ending the album with "To Drown" was the perfect finish. Starting nicely with such a delicate melody and floating little electric backgrounds, you just know that has to change. And it does. But not in the usual Agalloch way. This song goes even gloomier and doomier than "Black Lake Nidstang"... winding around a crazy string section that adds to the schizophrenic feel, eventually having the odd soundscape fade away into an oceans wave.

If you have other Agalloch releases and enjoy their music, I would highly recommend this album. It contains everything that makes them a great band and continues on a path forward. Overall, I give "Marrow of the Spirit" 4-1/2 stars. The sound of the album is typical to other Agalloch releases, but I thought a better mix at times was needed. But this is a minor complaint and is only me being picky. I have a hard time giving an album 5 stars... but this one comes close. Another great album from a very unique and original band.

An Agalloch release is a work of art to be considered an event, and deserves all the listening time one can spare. I just received my copy of the album, but have listened online and been blown away by the wondrous world contained in "Marrow of the Spirit." This may be the album that drives me to purchase a record player once it comes out on LP. The November release date is, of course, perfect timing for the band. Hopefully, you'll listen to this in the proper autumnal wooded setting, but regardless, the music will transport you there if you close your eyes.

"They Escaped the Weight of Darknes" and "To Drown" respectively initiate and conclude the album, and convey stark, heavy emotions that defy description (by me, at least). "Into the Painted Grey" begins contemplatively, but is an intense tune that will make one recall fellow Northwesterners Wolves in the Throne Room. "The Watcher's Monolith" combines many different elements and speeds to form the musical equivalent of a Thanksgiving dinner plate (with a collection of great tastes). "Black Lake Nidstang" is a monolithic doomy affair flowing like molasses (in a good way) but finishing with a flourish and an explicit curse against those who degrade the earth. "Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires" is mellow, with alternately screeching and jaunty guitar work, and (as always) cathartic vocals from John Haughm.

Hearty thanks to Haughm, Don Anderson, Jason William Walton, and Aesop Dekker for crafting this majestic album. It's my favorite record of 2010 and will provide great listening through the winter and on into eternity. This, like the rest of their discography, deserves room in mankind's ultimate time capsule.

Having been a fan of Agollach since their first record (Pale Folklore) came out It has always been a pleasure to hear something new from them--as they never disapoint. Marrow of the Spirit is no exception and is brilliant in everyway. This is a darker album and gone is the Bathory inspired mid-paced metal of Ahes against the grain. On this album the band really embraces the old school black metal sound of the 90's which is simply done with artistic grace and precision that in no way does it sound contrived or nastaligic, instead what we get is pure black metal art mixed with some folk and ambient parts. The musicianship is top notch and the drumming is simply just amazing. I know a few people have complained a bit about the production but this album was recorded in analog so it is meant to be heard on actual speakers not earphones, so I recommand you throw this into your bose or home system and sit back with a drink and absorb this amazing album!